Inclusion Criteria patients:  Diagnosed unilateral rotator cuff tear Degenerative partial or complete supraspinatus muscle tear With or without injury to other rotator cuff muscles  Inclusion criteria asymptomatic control subjects:  No previous known elbow and shoulder injury or symptoms  Exclusion Criteria patients:  Prior operative treatment of the ipsilateral shoulder or elbow Clinical history or symptoms of the contralateral glenohumeral joint Range of motion <30° in abduction and flexion  Exclusion criteria asymptomatic control subjects:  Clinical history of the glenohumeral joint Prior conservative or operative treatment of the shoulder or elbow Range of motion <90° in abduction and flexion  General exclusion criteria:  Inability to provide informed consent Body mass index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2 (Excessive skin movement) Neuromuscular disorders affecting upper limb movement Additional pathologies that influence the mobility of the shoulder joints Traumatic tendon ruptures Contraindications for MRI (e.g. neurostimulator and claustrophobia) Prior neuromuscular impairment (e.g. stroke) Diagnosed active rheumatic disorder Other major medical problems Pregnancy Patients currently enrolled in another experimental (interventional) protocol