Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025
Author Spotlight: Integrating Mechanical and Biological Analysis in Tendinopathy Research
Published on: March 1, 2024
The efficacy of high load-volume exercise versus low load-volume exercise for rotator cuff tendinopathy: A pilot and
Josh Naunton1, Dawson Kidgell2, Kim Bennell3
1Monash Musculoskeletal Research Unit (MMRU), Department of Physiotherapy, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Building B, Peninsula Campus, Monash University, Victoria, 3199, Australia; Physiotherapy, Department of Rural Allied Health, La Trobe University Rural Health School, Bendigo, Victoria, 3550, Australia; Physiotherapy & Exercise Physiology, Allied Health and Continuing Care, Bendigo Health, Bendigo, Victoria, 3550, Australia.
Background:
The most effective exercise variables for rotator cuff tendinopathy are unknown.
Objective:
Determine feasibility of a fully powered trial comparing high load-volume versus low load-volume exercise for adults with rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Design:
Two arm, multi-centre pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial.
Methods:
Participants aged over 18 were recruited via social media and randomised into 12 weeks of either high load-volume exercise (i.e. with dumbbell resistance) or low load-volume exercise (i.e. without added resistance). Feasibility outcomes were rates of recruitment, retention, questionnaire completion, adverse events and adherence to prescribed exercise.
Results:
Fifteen participants were randomised to high load-volume and 16 to low load-volume (18/31 were female). Retention rate was 84% at 6 weeks, and 81% at 12 and 26 weeks. Five participants withdrew and one participant was lost to follow up. Questionnaire completion rate was 78%. Adherence to the prescribed exercise sets was 77%. Recruitment, conversion and retention rates were above the pre-defined success criterion. There were no serious adverse events.
Conclusion:
A fully powered multi-centre randomised trial is feasible with minor amendments addressing exercise adherence and questionnaire response rate. Future trials should utilise outcomes that consider participants baseline physical activity levels and adequately measure pain disparate from performance.
More Related Videos
05:20Development of a Rabbit Chronic-Like Rotator Cuff Injury Model for Study of Fibrosis and Muscular Fatty Degeneration
Published on: March 31, 2023
08:19Author Spotlight: Unraveling the Mechanobiology of Tendon Impingement – A Multiaxial Murine Hind Limb Explant Model
Published on: December 8, 2023