STUDY DESIGN: Single-blind, randomized controlled trial. BACKGROUND: Treatments for rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy include RC muscle strengthening to promote better muscle recruitment in order to minimize subacromial narrowing during active movement. Glenohumeral adductors recruitment has also been shown to prevent such narrowing in asymptomatic individuals; therefore, adding glenohumeral adductor coactivation during RC strengthening could enhance the efficacy of RC strengthening. No study has, however, explored its benefits. OBJECTIVES: To compare the short-term efficacy of adding glenohumeral adductor coactivation (RCEx+coactivation) to a RC strengthening program (RCEx) to improve function, reduce symptoms and increase acromiohumeral distance (AHD) in adults with RC tendinopathy. METHODS: Forty-two participants with RC tendinopathy were randomly assigned to RCEx (strengthening of the scapular and RC muscles) or RCEx+coactivation (addition of pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi recruitment while performing RC strengthening) group. The daily programs were performed at home for 6 weeks, with a supervised training and follow-up sessions. Functional limitations/symptoms (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (DASH -- primary outcome), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index (WORC)), pain (visual analogue scale (VAS)) and AHD were measured at baseline, 3 weeks and 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using mixed model ANOVAs. RESULTS: No significant group x time interaction was observed for DASH, WORC, VAS and AHD (p >= 0.055). Significant time effects were obtained for the WORC and VAS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The present findings show that adding glenohumeral adductor coactivation to a RC strengthening program does not result in improved short-term efficacy in any of the measured outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapy, level 1b.

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