Shoulder PainNCT07543484
Kinematics and Muscle Activity During the Tennis Serve and Musculoskeletal Characteristics in Tennis Players With Subacromial Pain Syndrome or History of Shoulder Pain
An observational study of Shoulder Pain, run by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
Tennis players often suffer from shoulder pain due to the repetitive high-loaded overhead movements during serving, and subacromial pain syndrome is one of the main types of shoulder pain. Previous shoulder injury has been identified as one of the risk factors for shoulder overuse injuries in overhead sports. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Shoulder Pain
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 29 Jan 2026to 29 Jan 2027
- Phase
- Observational
- 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 40 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: Tennis players in Taiwan
Who may be able to join
- Amateur tennis players
- National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) should level ≥ 3.5
- Training experience: ≥ 3 years, current or former school team players
- Training volume: ≥ 4 hours/week
Who cannot join
- Any current musculoskeletal injuries preventing maximum skill execution at the time of testing
- Previously had any form of surgery or trauma
- Patient-reported pain that will inhibit participation in this study
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Taiwan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St. Beitou Dist., Taipei City 112304, Taiwan
Taipei
I, Chen Cheng, +886 966-719-573, ted724.be13@nycu.edu.tw
About this study
Tennis players often suffer from shoulder pain due to the repetitive high-loaded overhead movements during serving, and subacromial pain syndrome is one of the main types of shoulder pain. Previous shoulder injury has been identified as one of the risk factors for shoulder overuse injuries in overhead sports. No research has explored differences in trunk kinematics and shoulder muscle activities among tennis players with and without subacromial pain syndrome or a history of shoulder pain. Furthermore, limited studies have examined shoulder kinematics during tennis serve and musculoskeletal characteristics in tennis players with subacromial pain syndrome or a history of shoulder pain. Therefore, this study aims to investigate shoulder and trunk kinematics and shoulder muscle activity during the tennis serve and musculoskeletal characteristics in tennis players with subacromial pain syndrome or a history of shoulder pain. This study will recruit sixty tennis players with subacromial pain syndrome, a history of shoulder pain, and healthy players. The electromagnetic tracking system will be applied to collect shoulder and trunk kinematics during the tennis serve, and surface electromyography will be simultaneously used for recording shoulder muscle activities. Moreover, we will collect shoulder and trunk rotational joint range of motion, isometric strength and rate of force development of shoulder internal and external rotation, scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joint control capability, upper quarter Y-balance test performance, and posterior shoulder endurance. This study will compare the difference of these measures in tennis players with subacromial pain syndrome or a history of shoulder pain to healthy players.
- Conditions
- Shoulder Pain
- Keywords
- shoulder pain, tennis, kinematics, electromyography
- Medical subject headings
- Shoulder Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| subacromial pain syndrome | (1) Shoulder pain that had lasted for at least 3 months and recurred during flat serves in matches or practice; and (2) positive results in at least 3 of the 5 subacromial impingement tests, including the empty can test, Neer impingement test, Hawkins-Kennedy impingement test, resisted external rotation test, and painful arc during shoulder elevation. | |
| history of shoulder pain | Within 6 months prior to the begin of the experiment, the participant was absent from or had to adjust one practice or competition due to pain in the dominant shoulder joint. | |
| healthy | The healthy group had no neck pain, shoulder pain, or disability on their dominant side within the six months prior to the start of the experiment |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Degree of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joint during serving
The kinematics is assessed using an electromagnetic motion tracking system (VIPERTM, Polhemus, USA) and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) systems (Noraxon USA, Scottsdale, AZ, USA) to collect the glenohumeral elevation, horizontal abduction/adduction, internal/external rotation, scapulothoracic retraction/protraction, upward/downward rotation, anterior/posterior tilt, and trunk rotation, sidebending, flexion/extension during tennis serve. During the test, participants performed 5 flat serves, with 60 seconds of rest between each trial. Data were analyzed at the end of the arm cocking (maximal shoulder horizontal abduction), at ball-contact (peak of acceleration or perturbation in IMU), and at the end of the arm deceleration (maximal shoulder horizontal adduction). Data will report as mean values for each trial. (unit of measure: degree, °)
Measured: Day 1
Amplitude of the activation of glenohumeral and periscapular muscles
The muscle activation amplitude of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii would be recorded during tennis serve. During the test, participants performed 5 serves, with 60 seconds of rest between each trial. Data were collected in the arm cocking phase (from shoulder elevation over 5 standard deviation form resting to the shoulder maximal horizontal abduction) and the acceleration phase (from maximal shoulder horizontal abduction to the ball-contact), and the deceleration phase (from ball-contact to maximal horizontal adduction). The data will be reported as mean values for each trial. (unit of measure: percentage, %)
Measured: Day 1
Shoulder active range of motion
Shoulder external rotation and internal rotation range of motion in shoulder flexion 90 degrees in supine. An inclinometer will used for the test. The test will perform 3 times. Data will report as mean values for each trial. (unit of measure: degree, °)
Measured: Day 2
Shoulder passive range of motion
Shoulder external rotation and internal rotation range of motion in shoulder flexion 90 degrees in supine. An inclinometer will used for the test. The test will perform 3 times. Data will report as mean values for each trial. (unit of measure: degree, °)
Measured: Day 2
Trunk rotational range of motion
Trunk rotational range of motion would be tested in lumbar locked position. An inclinometer will used for the test, and participants active rotate their trunk to both sides, and 3 times each sides. Data will report as mean values. (unit of measure: degree, °)
Measured: Day 2
Isometric strength and rate of force development of shoulder internal and external rotation
Subjects supine with the test side positioned at 90° shoulder abduction and 90° elbow flexion in scapular plane. The K-pull Digital Dynamometer (Kinvent, Montpellier, France) will used for trials. Subjects would be asked to hold the digital dynamometer and perform the maximum isometric contraction strength test of shoulder internal and external rotation for 5 seconds at their maximal exertion. Shoulder internal and external rotation will be performed 3 times each, with a 30-second rest interval. The maximum isometric strength of the shoulder internal and external rotation is calculated by dividing the maximum strength by the body weight and multiplying by 100%, and the average of the 3 measurements will be calculated. The shoulder external/internal rotation strength ratio would also be calculated. The force rate data are averaged using the values in the time ranges of 0-50, 0-100, 0-150, 0-200, and 0-300 milliseconds.
Measured: Day 2
Scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joint control ability
Subjects will supine with the tested side positioned at 90° shoulder abduction and 90° elbow flexion in scapular plane, and then actively perform 60° shoulder internal rotation. The test consist of two parts. The first part observe whether the scapula is excessively anteriorly rotated; if so, one point will be given. The second part observe whether the subject has difficulty breathing, difficulty moving, inability to reach 60° shoulder internal rotation, excessive anterior rotation of the humerus, fatigue, or a need for external feedback and assistance; if so, one point will be given. Each item can be scored as one point. A score of 1 in the first part or more than 3 points in the second part (out of a total of 7 points) is considered a positive test result. Positive or negative result will be recored.
Measured: Day 2
Upper quarter Y-balance test performance
Subjects will remove their shoes and socks for the test. The test begin with a push-up position with both shoulders flexed at 90°, elbows extended, and both legs shoulder-width apart. The subject will perform maximum movement in each direction from the non-test side (moving end), returning to the starting position in the same motion to complete the test. Participants will be asked to perform the test 3 times each direction, with a 30-second rest between each test.The maximum distance of movement was standardized by dividing by the upper limb length, and the standardized results for each direction are summed and averaged to obtain the overall score. (unit of measure: %)
Measured: Day 2
Posterior shoulder endurance
After the subject positioned in 90° shoulder flexion position in standing, a Thera band is fixed at the same level as the shoulder, which is the starting position. The endpoint is defined as a position with 90° external rotation and 90° abduction of the shoulder. Male subjects use a green resistance band (2.1 kg), while female subjects use a red resistance band (1.7 kg). The subject is asked to repeat the movement between the starting and endpoint positions until the subject is unable to maintain the rhythm or complete the movement after two verbal reminders. The beat starts at 60 bpm and increases by 30 bpm every 20 seconds, up to a maximum of 150 bpm. (unit of measurement: seconds)
Measured: Day 2
Secondary outcomes (2)
Degree of shoulder and scapular kinematics during arm elevation
The kinematics is assessed using an electromagnetic motion tracking system (VIPERTM, Polhemus, USA) to collect the glenohumeral elevation, horizontal abduction/adduction, internal/external rotation, scapulothoracic retraction/protraction, upward/downward rotation, anterior/posterior tilt during arm elevation. During the test, participants performed 5 arm elevations, with 60 seconds of rest between each trial. Data will report as mean values for each trial. (unit of measure: degree, °)
Measured: Day 1
Amplitude of the activation of glenohumeral and periscapular muscles during arm elevation
The muscle activation amplitude of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii would be recorded during arm elevation. During the test, participants performed 5 arm elevations, with 60 seconds of rest between each trial. The data will be reported as mean values for each trial. (unit of measure: percentage, %)
Measured: Day 1
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Apr 2026
- Study start29 Jan 2026
- Primary completion29 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion29 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Shoulder PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07543484
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NYCU114005AF
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 12 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 22 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Kinematics and Muscle Activity During the Tennis Serve and Musculoskeletal Characteristics in Tennis Players With Subacromial Pain Syndrome or History of Shoulder Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07543484
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NYCU114005AF
- Conditions
- Shoulder Pain
- Keywords
- shoulder pain, tennis, kinematics, electromyography
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- National Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 29 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 29 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 22 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Tennis players often suffer from shoulder pain due to the repetitive high-loaded overhead movements during serving, and subacromial pain syndrome is one of the main types of shoulder pain. Previous shoulder injury has been identified as one of the risk factors for shoulder overuse injuries in overhead sports. No research has explored differences in trunk kinematics and shoulder muscle activities among tennis players with and without subacromial pain syndrome or a history of shoulder pain. Furthermore, limited studies have examined shoulder kinematics during tennis serve and musculoskeletal characteristics in tennis players with subacromial pain syndrome or a history of shoulder pain. Therefore, this study aims to investigate shoulder and trunk kinematics and shoulder muscle activity during the tennis serve and musculoskeletal characteristics in tennis players with subacromial pain syndrome or a history of shoulder pain. This study will recruit sixty tennis players with subacromial pain syndrome, a history of shoulder pain, and healthy players. The electromagnetic tracking system will be applied to collect shoulder and trunk kinematics during the tennis serve, and surface electromyography will be simultaneously used for recording shoulder muscle activities. Moreover, we will collect shoulder and trunk rotational joint range of motion, isometric strength and rate of force development of shoulder internal and external rotation, scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joint control capability, upper quarter Y-balance test performance, and posterior shoulder endurance. This study will compare the difference of these measures in tennis players with subacromial pain syndrome or a history of shoulder pain to healthy players.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| subacromial pain syndrome | – | –(1) Shoulder pain that had lasted for at least 3 months and recurred during flat serves in matches or practice; and (2) positive results in at least 3 of the 5 subacromial impingement tests, including the empty can test, Neer impingement test, Hawkins-Kennedy impingement test, resisted external rotation test, and painful arc during shoulder elevation. |
| history of shoulder pain | – | –Within 6 months prior to the begin of the experiment, the participant was absent from or had to adjust one practice or competition due to pain in the dominant shoulder joint. |
| healthy | – | –The healthy group had no neck pain, shoulder pain, or disability on their dominant side within the six months prior to the start of the experiment |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- Tennis players in Taiwan
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Amateur tennis players
- National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) should level ≥ 3.5
- Training experience: ≥ 3 years, current or former school team players
- Training volume: ≥ 4 hours/week
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Any current musculoskeletal injuries preventing maximum skill execution at the time of testing
- Previously had any form of surgery or trauma
- Patient-reported pain that will inhibit participation in this study
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Degree of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joint during serving
Time frame: Day 1
The kinematics is assessed using an electromagnetic motion tracking system (VIPERTM, Polhemus, USA) and IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) systems (Noraxon USA, Scottsdale, AZ, USA) to collect the glenohumeral elevation, horizontal abduction/adduction, internal/external rotation, scapulothoracic retraction/protraction, upward/downward rotation, anterior/posterior tilt, and trunk rotation, sidebending, flexion/extension during tennis serve. During the test, participants performed 5 flat serves, with 60 seconds of rest between each trial. Data were analyzed at the end of the arm cocking (maximal shoulder horizontal abduction), at ball-contact (peak of acceleration or perturbation in IMU), and at the end of the arm deceleration (maximal shoulder horizontal adduction). Data will report as mean values for each trial. (unit of measure: degree, °)
Amplitude of the activation of glenohumeral and periscapular muscles
Time frame: Day 1
The muscle activation amplitude of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius, serratus anterior, latissimus dorsi, pectoralis major, biceps brachii, and triceps brachii would be recorded during tennis serve. During the test, participants performed 5 serves, with 60 seconds of rest between each trial. Data were collected in the arm cocking phase (from shoulder elevation over 5 standard deviation form resting to the shoulder maximal horizontal abduction) and the acceleration phase (from maximal shoulder horizontal abduction to the ball-contact), and the deceleration phase (from ball-contact to maximal horizontal adduction). The data will be reported as mean values for each trial. (unit of measure: percentage, %)
Shoulder active range of motion
Time frame: Day 2
Shoulder external rotation and internal rotation range of motion in shoulder flexion 90 degrees in supine. An inclinometer will used for the test. The test will perform 3 times. Data will report as mean values for each trial. (unit of measure: degree, °)
Shoulder passive range of motion
Time frame: Day 2
Shoulder external rotation and internal rotation range of motion in shoulder flexion 90 degrees in supine. An inclinometer will used for the test. The test will perform 3 times. Data will report as mean values for each trial. (unit of measure: degree, °)
Trunk rotational range of motion
Time frame: Day 2
Trunk rotational range of motion would be tested in lumbar locked position. An inclinometer will used for the test, and participants active rotate their trunk to both sides, and 3 times each sides. Data will report as mean values. (unit of measure: degree, °)
Isometric strength and rate of force development of shoulder internal and external rotation
Time frame: Day 2
Subjects supine with the test side positioned at 90° shoulder abduction and 90° elbow flexion in scapular plane. The K-pull Digital Dynamometer (Kinvent, Montpellier, France) will used for trials. Subjects would be asked to hold the digital dynamometer and perform the maximum isometric contraction strength test of shoulder internal and external rotation for 5 seconds at their maximal exertion. Shoulder internal and external rotation will be performed 3 times each, with a 30-second rest interval. The maximum isometric strength of the shoulder internal and external rotation is calculated by dividing the maximum strength by the body weight and multiplying by 100%, and the average of the 3 measurements will be calculated. The shoulder external/internal rotation strength ratio would also be calculated. The force rate data are averaged using the values in the time ranges of 0-50, 0-100, 0-150, 0-200, and 0-300 milliseconds.
Scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joint control ability
Time frame: Day 2
Subjects will supine with the tested side positioned at 90° shoulder abduction and 90° elbow flexion in scapular plane, and then actively perform 60° shoulder internal rotation. The test consist of two parts. The first part observe whether the scapula is excessively anteriorly rotated; if so, one point will be given. The second part observe whether the subject has difficulty breathing, difficulty moving, inability to reach 60° shoulder internal rotation, excessive anterior rotation of the humerus, fatigue, or a need for external feedback and assistance; if so, one point will be given. Each item can be scored as one point. A score of 1 in the first part or more than 3 points in the second part (out of a total of 7 points) is considered a positive test result. Positive or negative result will be recored.
Upper quarter Y-balance test performance
Time frame: Day 2
Subjects will remove their shoes and socks for the test. The test begin with a push-up position with both shoulders flexed at 90°, elbows extended, and both legs shoulder-width apart. The subject will perform maximum movement in each direction from the non-test side (moving end), returning to the starting position in the same motion to complete the test. Participants will be asked to perform the test 3 times each direction, with a 30-second rest between each test.The maximum distance of movement was standardized by dividing by the upper limb length, and the standardized results for each direction are summed and averaged to obtain the overall score. (unit of measure: %)
Posterior shoulder endurance
Time frame: Day 2
After the subject positioned in 90° shoulder flexion position in standing, a Thera band is fixed at the same level as the shoulder, which is the starting position. The endpoint is defined as a position with 90° external rotation and 90° abduction of the shoulder. Male subjects use a green resistance band (2.1 kg), while female subjects use a red resistance band (1.7 kg). The subject is asked to repeat the movement between the starting and endpoint positions until the subject is unable to maintain the rhythm or complete the movement after two verbal reminders. The beat starts at 60 bpm and increases by 30 bpm every 20 seconds, up to a maximum of 150 bpm. (unit of measurement: seconds)
2 secondary outcomes
Degree of shoulder and scapular kinematics during arm elevation
Time frame: Day 1
Amplitude of the activation of glenohumeral and periscapular muscles during arm elevation
Time frame: Day 1
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 22 Apr 2026.
Related trials for Shoulder Pain
Recruiting
Effects of Cervicothoracic Mobilization in Patients With Supraspinatus Tendinitis
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Recruiting
Hybrid mHealth and Telerehabilitation vs Conventional Physiotherapy for Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Not yet recruiting
Magnesium Sulphate as an Adjuvant in Combined Costoclavicular Block and Suprascapular Block Versus Interscalene Block for Ambulatory Shoulder Arthroscopy
Postoperative Pain, Shoulder Arthroscopy
Active, not recruiting
Effects of Injection Combined With Spencer Technique on Painful Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder
Not yet recruiting
Laser Therapy Versus Transcutaneous Electical Nerve Stimulation at Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain
Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
No. 155, Sec. 2, Linong St. Beitou Dist., Taipei City 112304, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Shoulder Pain, run by National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University at 1 site in Taiwan.
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 4 inclusion and 3 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 22 Apr 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 Taiwan. 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?
Each site lists its own contact: choose the nearest one under Trial locations. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Degree of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic joint during serving (time frame: Day 1). The study lists 9 primary outcomes in all. 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 22 Apr 2026.