Effect of Mobilization With Movement in Patients With Rotator Cuff Lesions

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of Mobilization with Movement (MWM) on pain and functional status in individuals with rotator cuff lesions. Rotator cuff pathology is a common cause of shoulder pain and functional limitation, and impairments in proprioception may further compromise shoulder motor control and recovery. Eligible participants with rotator cuff lesions will be randomly allocated into three groups: (1) Mobilization with Movement (MWM), (2) conventional physiotherapy, and (3) control group. All participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention period. Outcome measures will include shoulder-related functional disability assessed by the QuickDASH questionnaire, pain intensity, and shoulder joint position sense evaluated using an active repositioning test with a laser pointer during shoulder flexion. The study is designed to determine whether MWM provides additional benefits over conventional treatment or task oriented training intervention in improving pain, function, and proprioceptive accuracy. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based conservative rehabilitation strategies for patients with rotator cuff lesions.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 65 years * Clinical and/or imaging-confirmed diagnosis of rotator cuff lesion (e.g., tendinopathy or partial tear) * Presence of shoulder pain for at least 3 months * Pain and functional limitation during shoulder movements * Ability to actively perform shoulder movements required for assessment and intervention * No physiotherapy or manual therapy treatment for the affected shoulder within the last 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * History of shoulder surgery on the affected side * Full-thickness rotator cuff tear or shoulder instability * Shoulder fracture, dislocation, or acute trauma within the past 6 months * Neurological disorders affecting the upper extremity (e.g., cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy) * Systemic inflammatory or rheumatologic diseases * Severe shoulder osteoarthritis or adhesive capsulitis * Current participation in another clinical trial * Use of corticosteroid injection in the affected shoulder within the last 3 months * Pregnancy * Inability to comply with the study protocol or assessment procedures