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Eccentric or Concentric Contralateral Training in Rehabilitation After Shoulder Surgery With Elbow Immobilization
Sponsor: Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Toulon La Seyne sur Mer
Summary
This clinical study investigates whether contralateral training (exercising the non-immobilized arm) can help preserve muscle strength and mass in patients recovering from shoulder surgery with elbow immobilization. Immobilization is often necessary to prevent further injury, but it can lead to significant muscle loss and reduced strength, delaying recovery and increasing healthcare costs. Recent studies suggest that training the non-immobilized arm may help maintain muscle function in the immobilized arm, particularly when using eccentric exercises (where muscles lengthen under tension). This study aims to compare the effects of eccentric and concentric (shortening) contralateral training versus standard care (no training) in patients undergoing shoulder surgery. The study involves 4 visits: pre-surgery assessments, a 4-6 weeks' immobilization period with or without training, and follow-ups at the end of immobilization, 6 weeks' post-immobilization, and 17 weeks' post-immobilization. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group receiving standard care, a group performing eccentric training, or a group performing concentric training. Muscle strength, mass, and function will be measured using tests such as isometric strength, ultrasound imaging, and functional scores. The hypothesis is that eccentric contralateral training will better preserve neuromuscular function and muscle mass in the immobilized arm compared to both standard care and concentric training. This could lead to faster recovery and improved outcomes for patients. The study will provide valuable insights into optimizing rehabilitation strategies for patients recovering from shoulder surgery.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
42
Start Date
2025-12-02
Completion Date
2027-10
Last Updated
2026-03-18
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Standard care
Standard care including rehabilitation sessions three times per week.
Eccentric training of the non-immobilized arm
The training protocol involves 3 sessions per week, separated by 24-48 hours. Each session includes 4-6 sets of 10 repetitions of elbow flexion/extension exercises on the non-immobilized arm at 60-90% of 1-RM, depending on the week. Eccentric actions are performed with controlled contraction duration (4 seconds) using a metronome. Rest periods of 2 seconds between repetitions and 2 minutes between sets are provided.
Concentric training of the non-immobilized arm
The training protocol involves 3 sessions per week, separated by 24-48 hours. Each session includes 4-6 sets of 10 repetitions of elbow flexion/extension exercises on the non-immobilized arm at 60-90% of 1-RM, depending on the week. Concentric actions are performed with controlled contraction duration (4 seconds) using a metronome. Rest periods of 2 seconds between repetitions and 2 minutes between sets are provided.
Locations (1)
Hôpital National d'Instruction des Armées Sainte-Anne
Toulon, Var, France