California State University, Long Beach
Purpose of the Study This study looks at whether using real-time ultrasound images as feedback can help people better activate two important shoulder muscles-the serratus anterior and lower trapezius-compared to standard verbal or visual feedback from a clinician. The study also examines whether this training carries over to everyday arm movements and whether it helps create more space inside the shoulder joint. Why This Matters Shoulder pain is very common. One possible cause is poor movement or poor muscle control of the shoulder blade, which can reduce the space under the shoulder and lead to pain. The serratus anterior and lower trapezius muscles help the shoulder blade move correctly when lifting the arm. Improving how these muscles work may reduce pain and improve shoulder function. How the Study Is Done People with shoulder pain will take part in the study in a university laboratory. They will be randomly placed into one of two groups: One group will receive muscle training with ultrasound images that show their muscles working in real time. The other group will receive standard feedback without ultrasound. Participants will perform specific shoulder exercises targeting the two muscles. Muscle activity will be measured before and after training using specialized sensors. The researchers will also see if the muscle training improves muscle use during a more functional movement, such as lifting the arm to shoulder height. In addition, ultrasound will be used to measure the space inside the shoulder joint before and after training. Why This Is Important for Care If ultrasound feedback is shown to be effective, it could give physical therapists and other clinicians a new tool to help patients better activate key shoulder muscles. This may improve treatment options for people with shoulder pain, especially pain at the top of the shoulder.
Introduction Shoulder pain is very common and affects people all over the world. About 1 in 6 people experience shoulder pain at any given time, and many new cases occur each year. It is one of the top causes of muscle and joint pain, behind only a few other conditions. Shoulder pain can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life, with common diagnoses including rotator cuff problems and shoulder impingement. Pain at the top of the shoulder often happens when people lift their arms overhead. For the shoulder to move properly, the shoulder blade must move in a coordinated way w…
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects with apical shoulder pain * Pain level \>2 on the numeric pain rating scale * Able to elevate shoulder beyond 140º * Able to perform all research activities without difficulty Exclusion Criteria: * Experience shoulder pain \> 6 on the numeric pain rating scale * Presence of a known neurological disorder * Shoulder pain only elicited with neck movements * History of shoulder fracture or surgery involving the glenohumeral joint capsule * Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis * Previously received treatment for the scapular upward rotators
Verbal and tactile feedback are provided to the subject to improve the quality of the exercise being performed.