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Partial Rotator Cuff TearsFULLCAN-PRCTNCT07587931

Concentric vs Eccentric Full Can Exercise in Partial Rotator Cuff Tears

A study testing Concentric Full Can Exercise, Eccentric Full Can Exercise and Standard Physiotherapy Program in people with Partial Rotator Cuff Tears and Rotator Cuff Injuries, run by Firat University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

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. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
What is being tested?
Concentric Full Can Exercise, Eccentric Full Can Exercise and Standard Physiotherapy Program
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
20 Jul 2026to 20 Nov 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • 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

Who cannot join

  • 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

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Muharrem Gökhan Beydağı, PhD contact

+905323581105

mgbeydagi@firat.edu.tr

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Firat University

    Elâzığ, MErkez, 23200

    Muharrem Gökhan Beydağı, PhD, 05323581105, mgbeydagi@firat.edu.tr

    Muhammet Şahin Elbastı, MD

    Recruiting

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Comparison of the Effects of Concentric and Eccentric Full Can Exercises on Supraspinatus Muscle Architecture in Individuals With 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.

Read more

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.

Read the detailed description

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.

Being tested
Concentric Full Can Exercise, Eccentric Full Can Exercise, Standard Physiotherapy Program
Keywords
Supraspinatus Muscle, Full Can Exercise, Eccentric Exercise, Concentric Exercise, Shoulder Rehabilitation, Muscle Architecture
Medical subject headings
Rotator Cuff Injuries

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Concentric Full Can ExerciseOther

    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 ExerciseOther

    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 ProgramOther

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

Study groups in NCT07587931
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Concentric Exercise GroupActive comparatorParticipants will receive a standard physiotherapy program including ultrasound, TENS, and shoulder rehabilitation exercises, combined with concentric full can exercises. The concentric phase (lifting) will be emphasized, while the eccentric phase will be minimally loaded.
Receives: Other: Concentric Full Can Exercise; Other: Standard Physiotherapy Program
Eccentric Exercise GroupActive comparatorParticipants will receive a standard physiotherapy program including ultrasound, TENS, and shoulder rehabilitation exercises, combined with eccentric full can exercises. The eccentric phase (lowering) will be emphasized, while the concentric phase will be minimally loaded.
Receives: Other: Eccentric Full Can Exercise; Other: Standard Physiotherapy Program

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in Supraspinatus Muscle Pennation Angle

    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).

    Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks

Secondary outcomes (8)
  1. Change in Supraspinatus Muscle Fiber Length

    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.

    Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks

  2. Change in Physiological Cross-Sectional Area of Supraspinatus

    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.

    Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks

  3. Change in Pain Intensity (VAS)

    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.

    Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks

  4. Change in Shoulder Range of Motion

    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.

    Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks

  5. Change in Shoulder Muscle Strength

    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.

    Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks

  6. Change in Functional Status (DASH Scores)

    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.

    Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks

  7. Change in Functional Status (SPADI Scores)

    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.

    Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks

  8. Change in Kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale)

    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.

    Measured: Baseline and 6 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted14 May 2026
  2. Study start20 Jul 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion20 Nov 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion20 Nov 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Participants will be randomized into two parallel groups receiving either concentric or eccentric full can exercise in addition to a standard physiotherapy program.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07587931
Sponsor's protocol ID
FU_MGBeydagi_RC_B_2026/05
Acronym
FULLCAN-PRCT
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
27 Apr 2026
Last updated
11 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Concentric Full Can Exercise, Eccentric Full Can Exercise and Standard Physiotherapy Program in people with Partial Rotator Cuff Tears and Rotator Cuff Injuries, run by Firat University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Muharrem Gökhan Beydağı, PhD (+905323581105, mgbeydagi@firat.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in Supraspinatus Muscle Pennation Angle (time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Aug 2026.

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