TECAR With Shoulder Chronic Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (TECAR /SIS)

October 30, 2026 updated by: Amgad Tamer Farhat Elkhyat, May University in Cairo

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.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

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 Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
42

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Contact Backup

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

30 years to 55 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • (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).

    (3) Pharmacological medical treatment that may interfere with the measurements; history of corticosteroid injections in the last three months.

    (4) 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.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: TECAR therapy with conventional exercise

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
Device: TECAR therapy

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,

Other: 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)
Sham Comparator: Passive TECAR therapy

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
Device: Passive TECAR therapy

sham treatment by TECAR device for 20 min without producing any waves.

Other: 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)

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
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
6 weeks
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
6 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Shoulder Range of motion (ROM) by the Clinometer Smartphone Application
Time Frame: 6 weeks

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.
6 weeks
Muscle strength: by (Hand-Held Dynamometry)
Time Frame: 6 weeks

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.
6 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
May University in Cairo

Collaborators

Collaborators

An organization other than the sponsor that provides support for a clinical study. This support may include activities related to funding, design, implementation, data analysis, or reporting.
Cairo University

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Study Chair: Salma Osama Abdelhameed Eid, Demonstrator, salma.Eid@bue.edu.eg
  • Study Chair: Maram Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim, Demonstrator, Maram.Ibrahim@bue.edu.eg
  • Study Chair: Tasbih Emad saber, tasbihemad87@gmail.com
  • Study Chair: Sama Sayed Mohamed Sayed, samaasayed268@gamil.com
  • Study Chair: Alaa Elsayed Atia Hassan, 10712023100273@stud.cu.edu.eg
  • Study Chair: Esraa Mohamed Mosaid, esramohamedmosaid@gmail.com

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
November 20, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
December 20, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
March 20, 2028

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
October 30, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
October 30, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
November 5, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
November 5, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
October 30, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
October 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • TECAR With SIS

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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