Understanding Shoulder Problems in Wheelchair Users
Natural History of Shoulder Pathology in Wheelchair Users
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON · NIH-11129655
This project aims to learn more about how shoulder pain and problems develop over time in people who use manual wheelchairs, comparing them to people who don't.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GALVESTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11129655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are continuing a long-term project that tracks changes in shoulder health for manual wheelchair users and a comparison group of able-bodied individuals. Our goal is to better understand how daily arm use affects shoulder health and contributes to pain, beyond what happens with natural aging. We are also looking back at a large group of people to see if other health conditions or medications might increase the risk of shoulder problems. This work will help us define how rotator cuff disease progresses in wheelchair users.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research would be manual wheelchair users and able-bodied individuals who are 21 years or older and willing to participate in a long-term observational study.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use manual wheelchairs or are not experiencing shoulder issues related to wheelchair use may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new guidelines and strategies to slow down or prevent shoulder pain and dysfunction, helping manual wheelchair users maintain their independence and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the problem of shoulder pain in wheelchair users has been recognized for decades, this project expands on existing work by defining the natural history of the disease progression, especially in its early stages.
Where this research is happening
GALVESTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON — GALVESTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MORROW, MELISSA M. — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MED BR GALVESTON
- Study coordinator: MORROW, MELISSA M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.