Effects of Rigid Taping in Acromioclavicular Joint Degeneration
The Effect of Rigid Taping on Pain and Function in Individuals With Acromioclavicular Joint
Hacettepe University
28 participants
Jan 1, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study will examine whether rigid taping applied to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint can reduce shoulder pain and improve shoulder function in people with AC joint degeneration. Participants with shoulder pain and a confirmed diagnosis of AC joint degeneration will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) rigid taping plus a standardized exercise program or (2) the same exercise program without taping. The program will last 4 weeks, with weekly supervised visits. Pain, shoulder motion, and shoulder function will be assessed at baseline, after the first session (acute effect), at the end of treatment (Week 4), and at a 3-month follow-up.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- A clinical diagnosis of acromioclavicular (AC) joint degeneration confirmed by clinical examination and imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI).
- Shoulder pain duration of at least 4 weeks.
- Age between 18 and 65 years
- Willingness to refrain from any additional treatments outside the study protocol during the study period (e.g., medication changes, injections, or physiotherapy elsewhere) and to provide written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria7
- Current or previous diagnosis/history of acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation.
- Diagnosis of frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).
- History of acute trauma or fracture involving the shoulder girdle (e.g., clavicle fracture, shoulder dislocation).
- History of shoulder surgery.
- Systemic inflammatory joint disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) or other systemic arthropathies.
- Skin conditions preventing taping (e.g., rash, open wound, or known tape allergy).
- Neuromuscular disease or neurological disorders affecting shoulder function
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Interventions
Rigid taping will be applied to the acromioclavicular joint using a standardized technique aiming to posteriorize the acromion and inferiorize the clavicle. Taping will be performed once weekly for 4
A standardized shoulder exercise program focusing on soft tissue flexibility, scapular stabilization, and rotator cuff activation will be applied once weekly for 4 weeks.
Locations(1)
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NCT07333417