Cognitive Functional Therapy for chronic shoulder pain

Cognitive Functional Therapy Versus Therapeutic Exercises for Treating Individuals With Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

This study is testing if Cognitive Functional Therapy can help people with chronic shoulder pain feel better compared to regular exercise.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 24 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Federal University of Paraíba (other)
• Locations: 1 site (João Pessoa, Paraíba)
• Trial ID: NCT06542666 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to assess the feasibility of comparing Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) with therapeutic exercises in individuals suffering from chronic shoulder pain. The study will evaluate various factors such as barriers to participation, feasibility of assessment procedures, participant willingness to be randomized, and adherence to treatment. By focusing on the biopsychosocial model of pain, the study seeks to identify key components necessary for conducting a larger trial in the future.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 18 to 60 with chronic shoulder pain lasting more than three months and a pain intensity of 4 or more on a numeric scale.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of significant shoulder injuries, surgeries, or certain medical conditions that affect muscle strength may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective treatment option for patients with chronic shoulder pain by addressing both physical and psychological aspects.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of Cognitive Functional Therapy may be novel, similar studies addressing chronic pain through biopsychosocial models have shown promise.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women;
* Age between 18 and 60 years;
* Presence of shoulder pain for more than 3 months;
* Pain intensity of 4 points or more on the 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale during the past week.
* High level of disability or moderate level of irritability.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of fracture or surgery of the clavicle, scapula, and/or humerus, surgical stabilization or rotator cuff repair;
* History of dislocation, instability (positive sulcus sign or apprehension test), and/or rotator cuff tear (positive drop arm test);
* Adhesive capsulitis verified by the presence of gradual onset pain associated with stiffness and reduced passive and active mobility;
* Ongoing pregnancy;
* Reproduction of shoulder pain radiating to the entire upper limb during cervical or thoracic spine tests (positive Spurling test);
* Neurological or systemic diseases that may alter muscle strength and sensitivity such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, gout, and diabetes;
* Corticosteroid injection in the shoulder region in the last 3 months;
* Physiotherapy treatment in the last 6 months.

Where this trial is running

João Pessoa, Paraíba

• Federal University of Paraíba — João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: VALÉRIA MA OLIVEIRA, PhD — Universidade Federal da Paraíba
• Study coordinator: VALÉRIA MA OLIVEIRA, PhD

Conditions: Chronic Shoulder Pain, Exercise Therapy, Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Shoulder pain, Subacromial pain, Rotator cuff related pain, Shoulder Impingement, Chronic pain