NCT07275164 HIIT for Inflammatory-driven Shoulder Pain.
| NCT ID | NCT07275164 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Universiteit Antwerpen |
| Condition | Chronic Shoulder Pain |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 30 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-12-10 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-04-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 30 participants in total. It began in 2025-12-10 with a primary completion date of 2026-04-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
This feasibility study investigates whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is feasible and acceptable for individuals with long-term shoulder pain where low-grade inflammation is suspected. Many patients do not recover fully with current local treatments, and systemic factors such as inflammation, and metabolic changes, additionally disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system often seem to play a role. HIIT is a time-efficient form of exercise that has been shown to improve inflammation and metabolic values and positively influence the balance of the nervous system. In this feasibility study, the investigators are enrolling 15 individuals with persistent shoulder pain (diagnosed with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain or frozen shoulder) with \>3 months of symptoms, and 15 individuals without shoulder complaints. All participants will undergo measurements of inflammatory levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, body composition, pain sensitivity tests, and complete questionnaires about autonomic complaints and quality of life. Participants with shoulder pain will also perform one personalized HIIT session on a cycle ergometer. The investigators will assess whether participants accept a systemic intervention for their shoulder pain, if they are cooperative, and how they feel about the session; additionally, any side effects will be recorded. The aim is to determine whether HIIT is practically feasible and safe for this group and whether there are indications that systemic factors such as inflammation and nervous system function are associated with persistent shoulder pain. The outcome will determine whether follow-up research with a larger study is worthwhile.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Shoulder pain group * Shoulder pain \> 3 months * Diagnosis of rotator cuff related shoulder pain or frozen shoulder * Understanding Dutch in speaking and writing. Control group o Understanding Dutch in speaking and writing Exclusion Criteria: Shoulder pain group * \<18 years * Shoulder surgery or trauma in past year * Neurological, cancer, or neuromuscular disease * Osteoarthritis, cervical or AC joint pathology * Heavy physical exertion \<48h before testing Control group * \<18 years * recent or recurrent neck/shoulder pain * systemic or neurological disease * psychiatric disorders * pregnancy/breastfeeding * pain medication \<48h before test
Contact & Investigator
Michel Mertens, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Universiteit Antwerpen
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07275164 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Chronic Shoulder Pain. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07275164 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07275164 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at michel.mertens@uantwerpen.be for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07275164 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Wilrijk, Belgium.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07275164 clinical trial?
NCT07275164 is sponsored by Universiteit Antwerpen. The principal investigator is Michel Mertens, PhD at Universiteit Antwerpen. The trial plans to enroll 30 participants.