BACKGROUND: Knowing the effects of neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) and exercise used in shoulder rehabilitation on muscle architecture, pain, muscle strength and quality of life will enable a more accurate and effective treatment plan for patients with rotator cuff tendinopathies (RCT). The aim of this prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study was to evaluate the effects of NMES combined with conventional therapy in patients with (RCT). METHODS: 41 Patients were randomized into one of the following two intervention groups, five days a week, for six weeks: combination of NMES, thermal agents, manual therapy, and exercise was applied to the CT plus NMES group. Combination of conservative therapy (CT), thermal agents, manual therapy, and exercise therapy was applied to the CT group. Before, after the six-week intervention follow-up with RESULTS: for the following outcome measures: pain, functional capacity, muscle strength, and muscle architecture. RESULTS: There were significant decreased in VAS (p < 0.05), and improvement DASH score (p < 0.05), WORC score (p < 0.05), external rotation (ER)/internal rotation peak torque 60 degree/second), and external rotation (ER) peak torque 180d egree/second (p < 0.05) for CT plus NMES group in comparison to the CT group. CT plus NMES group had exhibited more increases in the muscle thickness and fascicle length values when compared to CT group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support that pre-and post-intervention CT plus NMES therapy appears to be an effective treatment in reducing pain, improving functional capacity, muscle strength, and muscle architecture. NMES application can be more useful in the treatment of patients with rotator cuff disease.

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