NCT07385378

Effects of Myofascial Chain Tension Modulation Combined With Scapular Corrective Exercise on Scapular Movement Performance and Functional Outcomes in Tennis Players With Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Sponsor: China Medical University Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome (SIS) is characterized by abnormal scapular motion, including decreased upward rotation, increased internal rotation, and excessive anterior tilting, which impair shoulder and arm function. Integrated scapular rehabilitation combines Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and postural correction exercises. IASTM detects soft tissue restrictions through multidirectional strokes and enhances the pain threshold of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) via reflex hyperemia. Postural correction exercises aim to strengthen weakened muscles and stretch tight ones to improve stability and posture. The combination of these interventions may enhance scapular stability and dynamic control. This study aimed to investigate the effects of integrated scapular rehabilitation on scapular kinematics, movement correction, functional improvement, and pain management in tennis athletes with SIS. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyze pre- and post-intervention effects.

Detailed description

Participants aged 20 years or older were recruited. Outcome measures included pain intensity, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), shoulder range of motion (flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation), modified Scapular Assistance Test (mSAT), muscle strength (upper, middle, and lower trapezius; serratus anterior; rhomboids; levator scapulae; internal and external rotators), soft tissue elasticity (upper trapezius), myofascial trigger point pain threshold (upper trapezius, pectoralis minor, levator scapulae, rhomboids), subacromial space, and supraspinatus thickness.

Conditions

• Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization	IASTM is an assistive instrument designed to reduce the physical effort required by the practitioner and can be applied without a specific directional pattern. It aims to induce localized reactive hyperemia through repeated application, temporarily alter tissue rheological properties, and modulate sensory feedback via cutaneous mechanoreceptors. Its mechanisms involve both mechanical and neurophysiological components.
DEVICE	Elastic band	Elastic resistance bands of different colors were used for resistance training, with training intensity increased or decreased by selecting bands of varying resistance levels.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-01
• Primary completion: 2027-07-31
• Completion: 2027-08-31
• First posted: 2026-02-04
• Last updated: 2026-02-04