Attention-shift exercise program for rotator cuff–related shoulder pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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• Functional electrical stimulation plus shoulder exercises for older adults with rotator cuff pain

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.