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NCT Number: NCT07587931

Concentric vs Eccentric Full Can Exercise in Partial Rotator Cuff Tears

This study aims to compare the effects of concentric and eccentric full can exercises on supraspinatus muscle architecture in individuals with partial rotator cuff tears.

Rotator cuff tears are a common cause of shoulder pain and functional limitation. The supraspinatus muscle plays a key role in shoulder movement and stability, and its structure may be affected in individuals with partial tears.

Exercise-based rehabilitation is widely used in the conservative management of these conditions. The full can exercise is commonly prescribed to selectively activate the supraspinatus muscle. However, the effects of different contraction types, specifically concentric and eccentric exercises, on muscle structure and clinical outcomes are not fully understood.

In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to either a concentric or eccentric full can exercise group. Both groups will receive a standard physiotherapy program, including therapeutic ultrasound and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), in addition to the assigned exercise protocol.

The intervention will last for 6 weeks, with sessions performed three times per week. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention.

The primary outcome is the change in supraspinatus muscle pennation angle measured by ultrasound imaging. Secondary outcomes include muscle architecture parameters, pain intensity, range of motion, muscle strength, functional status, and kinesiophobia.

The findings of this study may help improve exercise selection in the rehabilitation of individuals with rotator cuff tears.

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Key information

Conditions

Partial Rotator Cuff Tears Rotator Cuff Injuries Rupture Shoulder Injuries Shoulder Pain Syndrome Tendon Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Firat University

Elâzığ, MErkez, 23200, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location contact

Muhammet Şahin Elbastı, MD

CONTACT

Muhammet Şahin Elbastı, MD

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Muharrem Gökhan Beydağı, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

05323581105

About this study

Study Design and Setting This study is designed as a prospective, randomized, assessor-blinded, parallel-group clinical trial. The study will be conducted at Firat University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Fethi Sekin City Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Participants A total of 60 individuals aged between 18 and 65 years with a diagnosis of partial supraspinatus tendon tear confirmed by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging will be included. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups (n=30 per group).

Randomization and Blinding Participants will be assigned to groups using a computer-generated randomization sequence. Allocation will be concealed using sealed, opaque envelopes. Outcome assessments will be performed by a blinded assessor.

Interventions

Both groups will receive a standard physiotherapy program including:

Therapeutic ultrasound Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) Standard shoulder rehabilitation exercises

The only difference between groups will be the contraction type of the full can exercise:

Concentric Group: Emphasis on the lifting phase (approximately 2 seconds), with minimal eccentric loading Eccentric Group: Emphasis on the lowering phase (approximately 4 seconds), with minimal concentric loading

All interventions will be applied 3 times per week for 6 weeks (total of 18 sessions).

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome:

Supraspinatus muscle pennation angle measured by B-mode ultrasonography

Secondary Outcomes:

Muscle architecture parameters (fiber length, physiological cross-sectional area) Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale) Range of motion (goniometric assessment) Muscle strength (hand-held dynamometry) Functional status (DASH, SPADI) Kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia)

Assessments will be performed at baseline (T0) and at the end of the 6-week intervention (T1).

Sample Size and Statistical Analysis Sample size calculation was based on the primary outcome (pennation angle change), assuming an effect size of 0.70, alpha of 0.05, and power of 80%. A minimum of 26 participants per group was required; therefore, 30 participants per group will be recruited to account for potential dropouts.

Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods including mixed-design ANOVA for group and time comparisons. Non-parametric tests will be used if assumptions are not met. Intention-to-treat analysis will be applied.

Ethical Considerations The study will be conducted in accordance with ethical principles for human research. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to inclusion.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Aged between 18 and 65 years
  • Diagnosed with partial supraspinatus tendon tear confirmed by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging
  • Shoulder pain lasting at least 3 months
  • Pain intensity ≥3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
  • Willing to participate and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Full-thickness rotator cuff tear
  • History of shoulder surgery
  • Shoulder instability
  • Neurological disorders
  • Rheumatological diseases
  • Corticosteroid injection within the last 3 months
  • Inability to adhere to the exercise program

Treatment and study plan

Concentric Full Can Exercise

Other

A strengthening exercise performed in the scapular plane with emphasis on the eccentric phase. The lowering phase is performed slowly in approximately 4 seconds against resistance, while the concentric phase is minimized. Exercises are performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks.

Eccentric Full Can Exercise

Other

A strengthening exercise performed in the scapular plane with emphasis on the eccentric phase. The lowering phase is performed slowly in approximately 4 seconds against resistance, while the concentric phase is minimized. Exercises are performed 3 times per week for 6 weeks.

Standard Physiotherapy Program

Other

Includes therapeutic ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and standard shoulder rehabilitation exercises applied to all participants.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Supraspinatus Muscle Pennation Angle

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    The pennation angle of the supraspinatus muscle will be measured using B-mode ultrasonography. Measurements will be obtained at baseline (T0) and after 6 weeks (T1). The change between time points will be analyzed.

    Supraspinatus Muscle Pennation Angle:

    • Assessed by B-mode ultrasonography.
    • Pennation angle will be measured in degrees (°).
    • Higher values indicate greater muscle architectural adaptation.
    • Measured at baseline (T0) and after 6 weeks of intervention (T1).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Supraspinatus Muscle Fiber Length

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Measured using B-mode ultrasonography at baseline and after 6 weeks.

    Supraspinatus Fascicle Length:

    • Measured using B-mode ultrasonography in millimeters (mm).
    • Greater fascicle length may indicate improved muscle architectural properties.
    • Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

  2. Change in Physiological Cross-Sectional Area of Supraspinatus

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Measured via ultrasound imaging at baseline and after 6 weeks.

    Physiological Cross-Sectional Area (PCSA):

    • Measured using ultrasonography in cm².
    • Higher values indicate greater muscle size.
    • Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

  3. Change in Pain Intensity (VAS)

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (0-10 cm).

    Visual Analog Scale for Pain:

    • Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
    • The scale ranges from 0 to 10.
    • 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst imaginable pain.
    • Higher scores indicate worse pain severity.
    • Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

  4. Change in Shoulder Range of Motion

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Measured using a goniometer for flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation.

    Shoulder Range of Motion:

    • Active shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation will be measured using a universal goniometer in degrees (°).
    • Higher values indicate greater joint mobility.
    • Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

  5. Change in Shoulder Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Measured using a hand-held dynamometer during isometric contraction. Shoulder Muscle Strength

    • Isometric muscle strength will be assessed using a handheld dynamometer.
    • Measurements will be recorded in kilograms or Newtons.
    • Higher values indicate greater muscle strength.
    • Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

  6. Change in Functional Status (DASH Scores)

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Functional status will be assessed using DASH questionnaires. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score

    • Functional disability will be assessed using the DASH questionnaire.
    • Scores range from 0 to 100.
    • Higher scores indicate greater disability.
    • Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

  7. Change in Functional Status (SPADI Scores)

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Functional status will be assessed using SPADI questionnaires.

    Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI):

    • Shoulder-related pain and disability will be assessed using SPADI.
    • Scores range from 0 to 100.
    • Higher scores indicate greater pain and disability.
    • Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

  8. Change in Kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale)

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks

    Measured using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia.

    Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia:

    • Fear of movement will be assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia.
    • Scores range from 17 to 68.
    • Higher scores indicate greater kinesiophobia.
    • Assessed at baseline and 6 weeks.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Muharrem Gökhan Beydağı, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905323581105

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Firat University

Other

Collaborators

  • Elazıg Fethi Sekin Sehir Hastanesi

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of the Effects of Concentric and Eccentric Full Can Exercises on Supraspinatus Muscle Architecture in Individuals With Partial Rotator Cuff Tears

Acronym: FULLCAN-PRCT

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
May 14, 2026
Registry last updated
May 14, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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