Rotator Cuff Tear Severity and Scapular and Rotator Cuff Muscle Activation Patterns

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Rotator cuff tears are common musculoskeletal injuries that can lead to altered scapular and rotator cuff muscle activation patterns and reduced function. This study aims to investigate the relationship between rotator cuff tear severity and scapular and rotator cuff muscle activation patterns. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether a relationship exists between the severity of rotator cuff tears and the activation patterns of scapular and rotator cuff muscles. Secondary objectives include: Identifying differences in muscle activation patterns between varying tear sizes. Evaluating the potential of these activation patterns as an indicator for the severity of rotator cuff tears. Assessing the influence of muscle activation patterns on the functional capacity of the affected shoulder.

Official Title
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The Relationship Between Rotator Cuff Tear Severity and Scapular and Rotator Cuff Muscle Activation Patterns: A Cross-Sectional Study

Conditions
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Rotator Cuff Tears, Rotator Cuff Injuries, Shoulder Pain

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Assessment


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age between 18 and 60 years. Diagnosis of rotator cuff tear confirmed by a qualified orthopedic surgeon. MRI scan showing the size of the tear (small, medium, large, or massive). Ability to provide informed consent and comply with the study protocol. Exclusion Criteria: History of shoulder surgery or other shoulder disorders unrelated to rotator cuff tears. Presence of neurological, cardiovascular, or respiratory disorders that could influence muscle activation patterns. Contraindications for sEMG assessment, such as skin allergies or infections. Inability to perform the required functional tasks due to severe pain or disability.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Small Rotator Cuff Tear Group<br>The Cofield classification system is a commonly cited classification system for full-thickness rotator cuff tears. It is based on the size of the tear. Small tear: Less than 1 cm. | Diagnostic Test: Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Assessment<br>* Surface electromyography (sEMG) will be used to assess the activation patterns of scapular and rotator cuff muscles during functional tasks, such as shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The sEMG assessment will be conducted using a wireless sEMG system with a sampling rate of 2000 Hz and a bandwidth of 20-500 Hz. Pre-gelled, disposable, self-adhesive Ag/AgCl electrodes will be placed on the muscle belly according to SENIAM guidelines, with an inter-electrode distance of 20 mm.<br>|
| Medium Rotator Cuff Tear Group<br>The Cofield classification system is a commonly cited classification system for full-thickness rotator cuff tears. It is based on the size of the tear. Medium tear: 1-3 cm | Diagnostic Test: Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Assessment<br>* Surface electromyography (sEMG) will be used to assess the activation patterns of scapular and rotator cuff muscles during functional tasks, such as shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The sEMG assessment will be conducted using a wireless sEMG system with a sampling rate of 2000 Hz and a bandwidth of 20-500 Hz. Pre-gelled, disposable, self-adhesive Ag/AgCl electrodes will be placed on the muscle belly according to SENIAM guidelines, with an inter-electrode distance of 20 mm.<br>|
| Large Rotator Cuff Tear Group<br>The Cofield classification system is a commonly cited classification system for full-thickness rotator cuff tears. It is based on the size of the tear. Large tear: 3-5 cm | Diagnostic Test: Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Assessment<br>* Surface electromyography (sEMG) will be used to assess the activation patterns of scapular and rotator cuff muscles during functional tasks, such as shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The sEMG assessment will be conducted using a wireless sEMG system with a sampling rate of 2000 Hz and a bandwidth of 20-500 Hz. Pre-gelled, disposable, self-adhesive Ag/AgCl electrodes will be placed on the muscle belly according to SENIAM guidelines, with an inter-electrode distance of 20 mm.<br>|
| Massive Rotator Cuff Tear Group<br>The Cofield classification system is a commonly cited classification system for full-thickness rotator cuff tears. It is based on the size of the tear. Massive tear: Greater than 5 cm | Diagnostic Test: Surface Electromyography (sEMG) Assessment<br>* Surface electromyography (sEMG) will be used to assess the activation patterns of scapular and rotator cuff muscles during functional tasks, such as shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The sEMG assessment will be conducted using a wireless sEMG system with a sampling rate of 2000 Hz and a bandwidth of 20-500 Hz. Pre-gelled, disposable, self-adhesive Ag/AgCl electrodes will be placed on the muscle belly according to SENIAM guidelines, with an inter-electrode distance of 20 mm.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Muscle Activation Amplitude | Muscle activation amplitude for the scapular and rotator cuff muscles (serratus anterior, upper and lower trapezius, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus) during functional tasks. | baseline | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Differences in Muscle Activation Patterns by Tear Size | Identification of differences in muscle activation patterns between varying tear sizes (small, medium, large, and massive). | baseline |