An interventional study of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Triamcinolone Acetonide and Lidocaine Hydrochloride in Long Head of Biceps Brachii Tendinopathy, sponsored by Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 19 Years to 74 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-09-14.
Sponsored by Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This randomized clinical trial compared ultrasound-guided triamcinolone injection and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients with long head of the biceps brachii tendinopathy. Participants in both groups also received a supervised physiotherapy exercise program. Pain, shoulder-related pain and disability, ultrasonographic findings, and clinical test results were assessed at baseline and at 1 and 3 months after treatment.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants received conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for 15 sessions, 15 minutes per session, using a frequency of 200 Hz and a pulse duration of 200 μs. After each TENS session, participants underwent a physiotherapist-supervised exercise program consisting of range-of-motion, stretching, and progressive strengthening exercises.
Device: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Participants received a single ultrasound-guided peritendinous injection of 1 mL triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL) mixed with 1 mL lidocaine hydrochloride (20 mg/mL) around the long head of the biceps tendon. Immediately after the injection, participants began a physiotherapist-supervised exercise program consisting of range-of-motion, stretching, and progressive strengthening exercises.
Drug: Triamcinolone Acetonide and Lidocaine Hydrochloride
Conventional transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was applied at a frequency of 200 Hz and a pulse duration of 200 μs for 15 minutes per session, for a total of 15 sessions.
A single ultrasound-guided peritendinous injection of 1 mL triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL) mixed with 1 mL lidocaine hydrochloride (20 mg/mL) was administered around the long head of the biceps tendon.
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for Pain
Pain intensity was assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Pain was evaluated both at rest and during movement. Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain), with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Shoulder pain and disability were assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), which includes pain and disability subscales. The total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater shoulder pain and disability.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Maximum diameter of the long head of the biceps tendon
The maximum diameter of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon was measured by musculoskeletal ultrasonography at the site of greatest tendon thickness and recorded in millimeters (mm).
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Peritendinous fluid around the long head of the biceps tendon
Peritendinous fluid was measured by ultrasonography at the site of greatest effusion between the tendon and tendon sheath and recorded in millimeters (mm). Minimal probe compression was applied during measurement.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Increased vascular signal in the long head of the biceps tendon
Vascular signal in the long head of the biceps tendon region was assessed using Doppler ultrasonography. Any increase in vascular signal detected along the bicipital groove was considered positive. The result was recorded as positive or negative.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Speed Test
The Speed test was used to evaluate pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon. Test results were recorded as positive or negative.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Yergason Test
The Yergason test was used to evaluate pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon. Test results were recorded as positive or negative.
Time frame: Baseline, 1 month, and 3 months
Plan to share: No
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Gaziler Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Education and Research Hospital