Workout your good arm to save the injured one? small study shows promise
NCT ID NCT05810129
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested whether training the uninjured arm during the 8-week immobilization period after clavicle surgery could help preserve muscle mass and strength in the injured arm. Nineteen physically active men aged 18-40 participated. One group did strength training with their uninjured arm while the other received standard physical therapy. The results suggest cross-education may reduce muscle loss, but larger studies are needed to confirm.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
concentric-eccentric strength training (unilateral resistance training of the uninjured arm)
What this could lead to
If it works, this approach could help people recovering from shoulder injuries maintain muscle and strength without exercising the injured arm.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 19 male participants, so results may not apply to women or larger groups. The effect on long-term recovery is still uncertain.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Universidad de La Frontera
Temuco, IX Región de La Araucanía, 4780000, Chile