To determine feasibility, an evaluation of key study parameters including (a) ease of recruitment (rate and number as well as suitability of the assessment algorithm), (b) adherence to all phases of the exercise intervention including home program compliance and logbook completion, (c) participant non-completion (drop out number and rate) and (d) adverse events (nature and number) will be undertaken. The intervention will involve two phases: during Phase 1 (weeks 1–6) participants undertake the active group-specific physiotherapy treatment in Phase 2 (weeks 6–12), they undertake a progressive, but no longer group-specific exercise program.
Rotator cuff tendon responses to isometric loading are not yet established in the literature hence, individualised, progressive loading will be used in this pilot study in accordance with symptoms. Each group will utilise a different mode of rotator cuff strengthening-isometric, isotonic concentric or isotonic eccentric. Thirty-six participants diagnosed with SPS will be randomised to one of three intervention groups and undergo a one-on-one exercise-based physiotherapy intervention, involving scapular and rotator cuff muscle retraining and strengthening. The secondary aim is to explore potential trends or treatment effects of the exercise intervention.
#Rotator cuff isometric exercises trial
The primary aim of this study is to establish the feasibility of undertaking a full-scale randomised controlled trial (RCT) that compares the effects of isometric, isotonic concentric and isotonic eccentric rotator cuff contractions when used as part of a semi-standardised exercise-based physiotherapy program in patients diagnosed with SPS. It is pertinent to ascertain whether such outcomes can be replicated in SPS/rotator cuff tendinopathy. Recently, immediate analgesic effects and muscle strength gains following heavy-load isometric exercises in lower limb tendinopathy conditions have been observed. Most published programs typically utilise isotonic concentric and/or eccentric strengthening modes. Evidence suggests that structured physiotherapy may be as effective as surgery in this condition with significant improvements demonstrated in trials involving scapular retraining, rotator cuff strengthening and flexibility exercises. Avoid holding your breath and straining during any weight training exercise, as this may cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.Subacromial pain syndrome (SPS) involving rotator cuff tendinopathy is a common cause of shoulder pain and disability. Exercising at a higher level of intensity can cause a dramatic increase in your blood pressure during the activity.Ĭheck with your doctor before beginning isometric exercises if you have high blood pressure or any heart problems. However, if you have high blood pressure, exercise at a lower level of intensity.
Studies have shown that isometric exercises may also help lower your blood pressure. Strength training may help reduce pain and improve physical function. As people with arthritis perform isometric exercises and their strength improves, they may progress to other types of strength training.
#Rotator cuff isometric exercises full
Isometric training may also be helpful to someone who has arthritis, which could be aggravated by using muscles to move a joint through the full range of motion. For instance, if you injure your rotator cuff, your doctor or physical therapist might initially recommend isometric exercises involving the group of muscles that helps stabilize the shoulder to maintain shoulder strength during recovery. Isometric exercises may be helpful to someone who has an injury, which could make movement painful. They can be useful, however, in enhancing stabilization - maintaining the position of the affected area - since muscles often contract isometrically to aid in stabilization. In addition, since isometric exercises are done in a static position, they won't help improve speed or athletic performance. You'd have to do various isometric exercises through your limb's whole range of motion to improve muscle strength across the range. They can also build strength, but not effectively.īecause isometric exercises are done in one position without movement, they'll improve strength in only one particular position. Isometric exercises help maintain strength.
During isometric exercises, the muscle doesn't noticeably change length and the affected joint doesn't move. Isometric exercises are contractions of a particular muscle or group of muscles.