Attention-shift exercise program for rotator cuff–related shoulder pain
The Effect of an Exercise Program Based on Attentional Focus Shifting on Clinical Outcomes in Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain
This will test whether doing shoulder exercises while also performing attention-shifting movements reduces pain and improves function for people with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07546084 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, parallel-group trial will enroll 46 adults with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain and randomly assign them to a standard supervised shoulder rehabilitation program or the same program combined with concurrent motor tasks that direct attention away from the painful shoulder. Both groups receive standardized patient education and attend 12 supervised sessions (60–75 minutes each) over six weeks, with follow-up at 12 weeks. Outcomes include pain intensity, shoulder function, and pain catastrophizing measured at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The study compares whether adding attention-shifting tasks during exercise yields greater short- and medium-term improvements than standard rehabilitation alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain for at least 3 months, pain ≥3/10 during activity, a painful arc or positive subacromial impingement tests, provoked pain on resisted shoulder tests, and able to complete questionnaires in Turkish are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with adhesive capsulitis, massive rotator cuff tears, prior shoulder surgery, advanced shoulder osteoarthritis or acromioclavicular pathology, fractures/dislocations, or neurological disorders are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce pain, improve shoulder function, and lower pain catastrophizing more than standard exercise alone.
How similar studies have performed: Some pain and rehabilitation research on attentional focus or dual-task approaches shows modest reductions in pain and improved function, but application specifically to rotator cuff–related shoulder pain is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Having symptoms persisting for at least 3 months * Experiencing pain intensity of at least 3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) during activity * Presence of a painful arc during shoulder flexion or abduction * Positive Neer test or Hawkins-Kennedy test * Pain provoked by resisted external rotation/abduction of the humerus, or a positive Jobe (Empty Can) test * Having a clinical diagnosis of subacromial pain syndrome, rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial bursitis, or symptomatic partial/full-thickness rotator cuff tear * Being able to understand and complete questionnaires in Turkish Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of adhesive capsulitis (≥30% limitation in passive range of motion) * Advanced osteoarthritis of the shoulder * History of fracture or dislocation affecting the shoulder region * Advanced acromioclavicular joint pathology * Massive rotator cuff tear (positive lag signs) * Previous shoulder surgery * Presence of neurological disorders * Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis * History of cancer * Symptomatic cervical spine pathology * Corticosteroid injection to the shoulder within the past 6 weeks * Cognitive impairments that may interfere with the ability to perform clinical tasks or execute attention shift-based exercises
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rezzan Atay, Bachelor's degree
- Email: rezzan.atay@ogr.iuc.edu.tr
- Phone: 90+ 505 485 75 49
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.