Shoulder Impingement SyndromeTECAR /SISNCT07919249
TECAR With Shoulder Chronic Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
A study testing TECAR therapy, Passive TECAR therapy and conventional exercise in people with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, run by May University in Cairo.
Trial summary
The study aimed to investigate the adjunctive effects of TECAR therapy in combination with conventional exercises compared with placebo TECAR combined with the same exercise program on pain intensity, shoulder function, range of motion, and muscle strength in individuals with subacromial syndrome. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 30 to 55 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- What is being tested?
- TECAR therapy, Passive TECAR therapy and conventional exercise
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 20 Nov 2026to 20 Mar 2028
- 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 30 to 55 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 1. Referred by an orthopedic physician with a clinical diagnosis (confirmed by imaging examination-magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound) of Tendinopathy of any muscle of the Rotator cuff and pain in the shoulders for at least 3 months 2. Participants ranged in age from 30 to 55 years old 3. Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS)≥4: 4. Four of the following should be present in the included patients: Neer impingement test, Hawkins' test, Pain was replicated in the supraspinatus empty-can test, a painful arc of movement from 70° to 120°, and pain at the greater tuberosity of the humerus 5. BMI range 18.5- 29. 9 Kg/m².
Who cannot join
- (1) Patients who have a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. (2) History of shoulder or rotator cuff surgery or fracture, glenohumeral joint dislocation, rheumatoid arthritis (affected side).
- Pharmacological medical treatment that may interfere with the measurements; history of corticosteroid injections in the last three months.
- Patients who received rehabilitation therapy in the last 3 months. (5) Patients who have symptoms of numbness or tingling in the upper extremity. (6) A history of the following: onset of symptoms due to traumatic injury. (7) Patients who have cognitive or psychiatric disorders or pregnancy. (8) Patients who have a positive Drop arm sign. (9) Patients who have cervical radiculopathy.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Adjunctive TECAR Therapy on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Trial
The study aimed to investigate the adjunctive effects of TECAR therapy in combination with conventional exercises compared with placebo TECAR combined with the same exercise program on pain intensity, shoulder function, range of motion, and muscle strength in individuals with subacromial syndrome.
Read the detailed description
Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint in orthopedic practice. Shoulder pain affects approximately one-third of people in their lifetime. The prevalence of shoulder pain over one month has ranged between 16% and 30% of the population. One of the most common shoulder problems is shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). Pain arises from shoulder impingement caused by rotator cuff compression and the subacromial bursa. Subacromial Impingement Syndrome is associated with changes in scapular kinematics, muscle activity, and capsular tightness. Restricted range of motion (ROM) and scapular pain are the primary manifestations of subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS); symptoms most commonly occur during limb abduction between 70-120 degrees and during overhead activities. The main therapeutic goals for individuals with SIS are to reduce pain and improve upper limb functional capacity. A cross-sectional study conducted in Egypt reported that the most common type of shoulder pain is shoulder impingement (SIS), accounting for 38.6% of shoulder pathologies TECAR therapy is a specialized form of energy based on a frequency range of 300 KHZ TO 1 MHZ. It uses high-frequency energy to stimulate cellular biological processes and self-regeneration. This therapy enhances natural physiological function and improves metabolism. TECAR therapy works by increasing temperature within deep dermal layers, which can affect the adipocyte membrane and release free fatty acids. This cellular response triggers the activation of macrophages and other inflammatory mediators, contributing to tissue remodeling. Clinically, Tecer therapy is used to manage soft tissue injuries by reducing edema, accelerating remodeling, and supporting the natural inflammatory process. It also aids in decreasing muscle hypertonicity, enhances tissue regeneration across joints and muscles, and relieves muscle and joint pain. Contributing to improving the range of motion and promoting local blood circulation.
Therefore, the present study aims to compare the effect of TECAR versus placebo, both combined with therapeutic exercise, on pain intensity, function, ROM, and muscle strength in patients with Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS).
Evidence remains limited specifically regarding the use of TECAR therapy for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS), as previous studies have compared this treatment only with other adjunctive therapies, lacking a distinct control group receiving conventional treatment. The present study addresses this gap.
- Conditions
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Being tested
- TECAR therapy, Passive TECAR therapy, conventional exercise, Conventional exercise:
- Medical subject headings
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
TECAR therapyDevice
TECAR therapy:
Received for 8 sessions during the intervention period. Each session consisted of 20 minutes: 10 minutes in capacitive mode at 100 W, followed by 10 minutes in resistive mode at 200 W. The device was operated at a pulsed frequency,
Passive TECAR therapyDevice
sham treatment by TECAR device for 20 min without producing any waves.
conventional exerciseOther
The program included three stretching exercises to address soft tissue restriction. It specifically targeted the upper trapezius, pectoralis minor, and posterior shoulder capsule. Each stretch was held for 30 seconds and repeated three times, with 30 seconds between repetitions Following the stretching exercises, participants completed a progressive strengthening program targeting the rotator cuff muscles and scapular stabilization. Participants performed strengthening exercises using color-coded elastic resistance bands, with 3 sets of 10 repetitions and 1 minute of rest between sets. Rotator cuff strengthening consisted of shoulder flexion, Abduction, External rotation, and Internal Rotation exercises.
Scapular stabilization exercises included serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius muscle strengthening)
Conventional exercise:Other
The program included three stretching exercises to address soft tissue restriction. It specifically targeted the upper trapezius, pectoralis minor, and posterior shoulder capsule. Each stretch was held for 30 seconds and repeated three times, with 30 seconds between repetitions Following the stretching exercises, participants completed a progressive strengthening program targeting the rotator cuff muscles and scapular stabilization. Participants performed strengthening exercises using color-coded elastic resistance bands, with 3 sets of 10 repetitions and 1 minute of rest between sets. Rotator cuff strengthening consisted of shoulder flexion, Abduction, External rotation, and Internal Rotation exercises.
Scapular stabilization exercises included serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius muscle strengthening)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| TECAR therapy with conventional exercise | Experimental | Patients will receive TECAR therapy and conventional exercise for 6 weeks (3 sessions per week), consisting of 2 sessions per week of TECAR therapy and conventional exercises, and one session of conventional exercises only at-home exercises Receives: Device: TECAR therapy; Other: conventional exercise |
| Passive TECAR therapy | Sham comparator | Patients will receive Sham TECAR therapy and conventional exercise for 6 weeks (3 sessions per week), consisting of 2 sessions per week of Sham TECAR therapy and conventional exercises, and one session of conventional exercises only at-home exercises Both groups completed an identical exercise program consisting of stretching, strengthening, and Scapular stabilization Receives: Device: Passive TECAR therapy; Other: Conventional exercise: |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numerical pain Rating scale:
The NPRS was used to assess the patient's shoulder pain intensity. Patients rated their current pain level on an 11-point scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). Ask participants to mark the point on the pain intensity scale
Measured: 6 weeks
Shoulder function using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index Questionnaire (SPADI):
The SPADI test consists of 13 items divided into two domains: the pain domain (5 items) and the disability domain (8 items). Each item is assigned a value from 0 to 10 on the NRS; the score ranges from 0 (no difficulty) to 10 (unable to perform). All the responses' ratings will be added and divided by the number of questions in that subscale. The total SPADI score will be calculated as the average of the 2 subscales
Measured: 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (2)
Shoulder Range of motion (ROM) by the Clinometer Smartphone Application
Clinometer application was used to measure shoulder ROM. The patient stands during shoulder flexion and abduction and is supine on the plinth when measuring internal and external rotation; the shoulder is abducted to 90°, the elbow bent to 90 °, and the forearm is in a neutral position.
Measured: 6 weeks
Muscle strength: by (Hand-Held Dynamometry)
Isometric shoulder joint muscle strengths (flexion, abduction, external rotation) were measured with an HHD. The patient performs a maximal isometric muscle contraction for 3 seconds while the hand-held dynamometer is attached. The measurement is repeated three times, with a 30-second rest period between each measurement.
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Nov 2026
- Study start20 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion20 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion20 Mar 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Shoulder Impingement SyndromeStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- May University in Cairo
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Cairo University
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Amgad Tamer Farhat Elkhyat, May University in Cairo
- Investigators
- Salma Osama Abdelhameed Eid, Demonstrator, Study chair, salma.Eid@bue.edu.egMaram Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim, Demonstrator, Study chair, Maram.Ibrahim@bue.edu.egTasbih Emad saber, Study chair, tasbihemad87@gmail.comSama Sayed Mohamed Sayed, Study chair, samaasayed268@gamil.comAlaa Elsayed Atia Hassan, Study chair, 10712023100273@stud.cu.edu.egEsraa Mohamed Mosaid, Study chair, esramohamedmosaid@gmail.com
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07919249
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TECAR With SIS
- Acronym
- TECAR /SIS
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 5 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Adjunctive TECAR Therapy on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07919249
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- TECAR /SIS / TECAR With SIS
- Conditions
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- May University in CairoUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Cairo University
- Study start
- 20 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 20 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 20 Mar 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Nov 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.
The study aimed to investigate the adjunctive effects of TECAR therapy in combination with conventional exercises compared with placebo TECAR combined with the same exercise program on pain intensity, shoulder function, range of motion, and muscle strength in individuals with subacromial syndrome.
Detailed description
Shoulder pain is the third most common musculoskeletal complaint in orthopedic practice. Shoulder pain affects approximately one-third of people in their lifetime. The prevalence of shoulder pain over one month has ranged between 16% and 30% of the population. One of the most common shoulder problems is shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). Pain arises from shoulder impingement caused by rotator cuff compression and the subacromial bursa. Subacromial Impingement Syndrome is associated with changes in scapular kinematics, muscle activity, and capsular tightness. Restricted range of motion (ROM) and scapular pain are the primary manifestations of subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS); symptoms most commonly occur during limb abduction between 70-120 degrees and during overhead activities. The main therapeutic goals for individuals with SIS are to reduce pain and improve upper limb functional capacity. A cross-sectional study conducted in Egypt reported that the most common type of shoulder pain is shoulder impingement (SIS), accounting for 38.6% of shoulder pathologies TECAR therapy is a specialized form of energy based on a frequency range of 300 KHZ TO 1 MHZ. It uses high-frequency energy to stimulate cellular biological processes and self-regeneration. This therapy enhances natural physiological function and improves metabolism. TECAR therapy works by increasing temperature within deep dermal layers, which can affect the adipocyte membrane and release free fatty acids. This cellular response triggers the activation of macrophages and other inflammatory mediators, contributing to tissue remodeling. Clinically, Tecer therapy is used to manage soft tissue injuries by reducing edema, accelerating remodeling, and supporting the natural inflammatory process. It also aids in decreasing muscle hypertonicity, enhances tissue regeneration across joints and muscles, and relieves muscle and joint pain. Contributing to improving the range of motion and promoting local blood circulation.
Therefore, the present study aims to compare the effect of TECAR versus placebo, both combined with therapeutic exercise, on pain intensity, function, ROM, and muscle strength in patients with Shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS).
Evidence remains limited specifically regarding the use of TECAR therapy for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS), as previous studies have compared this treatment only with other adjunctive therapies, lacking a distinct control group receiving conventional treatment. The present study addresses this gap.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| TECAR therapy with conventional exercise | Experimental | Device: TECAR therapy, Other: conventional exercisePatients will receive TECAR therapy and conventional exercise for 6 weeks (3 sessions per week), consisting of 2 sessions per week of TECAR therapy and conventional exercises, and one session of conventional exercises only at-home exercises |
| Passive TECAR therapy | Sham comparator | Device: Passive TECAR therapy, Other: Conventional exercise:Patients will receive Sham TECAR therapy and conventional exercise for 6 weeks (3 sessions per week), consisting of 2 sessions per week of Sham TECAR therapy and conventional exercises, and one session of conventional exercises only at-home exercises Both groups completed an identical exercise program consisting of stretching, strengthening, and Scapular stabilization |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 30 to 55 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- 1. Referred by an orthopedic physician with a clinical diagnosis (confirmed by imaging examination-magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound) of Tendinopathy of any muscle of the Rotator cuff and pain in the shoulders for at least 3 months 2. Participants ranged in age from 30 to 55 years old 3. Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS)≥4: 4. Four of the following should be present in the included patients: Neer impingement test, Hawkins' test, Pain was replicated in the supraspinatus empty-can test, a painful arc of movement from 70° to 120°, and pain at the greater tuberosity of the humerus 5. BMI range 18.5- 29. 9 Kg/m².
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- (1) Patients who have a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. (2) History of shoulder or rotator cuff surgery or fracture, glenohumeral joint dislocation, rheumatoid arthritis (affected side).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| TECAR therapyTECAR therapy: Received for 8 sessions during the intervention period. Each session consisted of 20 minutes: 10 minutes in capacitive mode at 100 W, followed by 10 minutes in resistive mode at 200 W. The device was operated at a pulsed frequency, | Device | TECAR therapy with conventional exercise |
| Passive TECAR therapysham treatment by TECAR device for 20 min without producing any waves. | Device | Passive TECAR therapy |
| conventional exerciseThe program included three stretching exercises to address soft tissue restriction. It specifically targeted the upper trapezius, pectoralis minor, and posterior shoulder capsule. Each stretch was held for 30 seconds and repeated three times, with 30 seconds between repetitions Following the stretching exercises, participants completed a progressive strengthening program targeting the rotator cuff muscles and scapular stabilization. Participants performed strengthening exercises using color-coded elastic resistance bands, with 3 sets of 10 repetitions and 1 minute of rest between sets. Rotator cuff strengthening consisted of shoulder flexion, Abduction, External rotation, and Internal Rotation exercises. Scapular stabilization exercises included serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius muscle strengthening) | Other | TECAR therapy with conventional exercise |
| Conventional exercise:The program included three stretching exercises to address soft tissue restriction. It specifically targeted the upper trapezius, pectoralis minor, and posterior shoulder capsule. Each stretch was held for 30 seconds and repeated three times, with 30 seconds between repetitions Following the stretching exercises, participants completed a progressive strengthening program targeting the rotator cuff muscles and scapular stabilization. Participants performed strengthening exercises using color-coded elastic resistance bands, with 3 sets of 10 repetitions and 1 minute of rest between sets. Rotator cuff strengthening consisted of shoulder flexion, Abduction, External rotation, and Internal Rotation exercises. Scapular stabilization exercises included serratus anterior, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius muscle strengthening) | Other | Passive TECAR therapy |
Primary outcome
Numerical pain Rating scale:
Time frame: 6 weeks
The NPRS was used to assess the patient's shoulder pain intensity. Patients rated their current pain level on an 11-point scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). Ask participants to mark the point on the pain intensity scale
Shoulder function using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index Questionnaire (SPADI):
Time frame: 6 weeks
The SPADI test consists of 13 items divided into two domains: the pain domain (5 items) and the disability domain (8 items). Each item is assigned a value from 0 to 10 on the NRS; the score ranges from 0 (no difficulty) to 10 (unable to perform). All the responses' ratings will be added and divided by the number of questions in that subscale. The total SPADI score will be calculated as the average of the 2 subscales
2 secondary outcomes
Shoulder Range of motion (ROM) by the Clinometer Smartphone Application
Time frame: 6 weeks
Muscle strength: by (Hand-Held Dynamometry)
Time frame: 6 weeks
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 5 Nov 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Salma Osama Abdelhameed Eid, Demonstrator study chair
salma.Eid@bue.edu.eg
Maram Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim, Demonstrator study chair
Maram.Ibrahim@bue.edu.eg
Tasbih Emad saber study chair
tasbihemad87@gmail.com
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing TECAR therapy, Passive TECAR therapy and conventional exercise in people with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome, run by May University in Cairo.
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 1 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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 Amgad Tamer Farhat Elkhyat (01090005697, amgad.23110702@muc.edu.eg), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numerical pain Rating scale: (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 2 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 5 Nov 2026.