Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Versus Sham in Subacromial Pain Syndrome
Launched by UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE · Jan 26, 2024
Trial Information
Current as of July 22, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying a treatment called Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to see how it affects people with subacromial pain syndrome, which is a type of shoulder pain that can make daily activities difficult. The researchers want to find out if tDCS can help reduce pain levels, improve function, enhance quality of life, and increase muscle strength and range of motion in the shoulder.
To participate in this study, individuals must be experiencing pain in one shoulder for at least three months, with a pain score of 3 or higher on a scale of 0 to 10. They should also have a certain level of disability related to their shoulder pain, as measured by a specific questionnaire. However, those who have had shoulder surgery, certain medical conditions, or are currently pregnant cannot take part in this trial. Participants will receive either the active tDCS treatment or a placebo (sham) treatment and will be closely monitored throughout the study to assess the effects on their pain and shoulder function. If you or someone you know is dealing with this type of shoulder pain, this trial may offer a potential new option to consider.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Unilateral pain in one shoulder
- • Pain level ≥ 3 on the Numerical Pain Scale (END), at rest, for at least 3 months
- • No previous treatment with tDCS
- • Present graded disability on the DASH questionnaire (\> 15 points)
- • At least three positive tests, among the five indicated below: Neer, Hawkins, Jobe, Patte or painful abduction arch.
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Indication for surgical repair and/or history of shoulder surgery
- • Shoulder fracture and/or dislocation
- • Partial or total rupture of one of the rotator cuff tendons and/or the long head of the biceps
- • Fibromyalgia
- • History of epilepsy
- • Panic syndrome
- • Implantable devices in the skull
- • Significant neurological or psychiatric diseases
- • Severe cardiopulmonary, renal and hepatic diseases
- • Current pregnancy.
About Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Norte
The Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) is a prestigious Brazilian institution dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation in various fields, including health sciences. As a clinical trial sponsor, UFRN leverages its robust academic and research capabilities to contribute to the development of effective medical interventions and therapies. The university fosters collaborative partnerships with healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry stakeholders, ensuring that clinical trials conducted under its auspices adhere to the highest ethical standards and regulatory requirements. UFRN is committed to enhancing public health outcomes through rigorous scientific inquiry and the translation of research findings into clinical practice.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Natal, Rn, Brazil
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Vinícius Dantas, Esp
Principal Investigator
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported