Dual-task shoulder exercise program for rotator cuff–related pain
Official title: The Effect of a Dual-Task Technique-Based Exercise Program on Clinical Outcomes in Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain
Run by Istanbul University · NCT07415967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether doing shoulder exercises together with simple cognitive tasks helps adults with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain reduce pain and improve function compared with standard shoulder exercises.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 16, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 16, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07415967 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–65 with rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial pain or partial rotator cuff tear, pain ≥3/10 for at least 3 months, and no full-thickness tear, recent shoulder surgery, recent physiotherapy/injection, or cognitive impairment are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with full-thickness or massive rotator cuff tears, adhesive capsulitis, shoulder instability, recent shoulder surgery, significant cognitive impairment, or other conditions that prevent safe participation in exercise are unlikely to benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized study will enroll 46 adults with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain and assign them to either a dual-task exercise group or a standard exercise group, with both groups also receiving patient education. The dual-task group will perform supervised shoulder exercises concurrently with cognitive tasks, while the standard group will perform the same physical exercises without cognitive components. Sessions occur twice weekly for 6 weeks (12 sessions total), with assessments at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Primary outcome is pain intensity (NPRS) and secondary outcomes include shoulder function (Q-DASH, ASES) and psychosocial measures (PCS, TSK-11).
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, combining cognitive tasks with shoulder exercises could lead to greater pain relief, improved shoulder function, and reduced pain-related fear and catastrophizing than standard rehabilitation.
How similar studies have gone: Dual-task exercise approaches have shown promise in other rehabilitation areas but are relatively novel for rotator cuff–related shoulder pain with limited direct evidence so far.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 65 years * Diagnosis of impingement syndrome, subacromial bursitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, or partial rotator cuff tear * Shoulder pain level ≥3 according to the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) * Shoulder pain persisting for at least 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of shoulder instability, adhesive capsulitis, or full-thickness or massive rotator cuff tear * Presence of musculoskeletal, neurological, and/or psychological conditions that would prevent participation in an exercise program * History of shoulder surgery * Having received physiotherapy or corticosteroid injection treatment for shoulder pain within the past 6 months * Presence of cognitive impairment that would prevent participation in dual-task exercise activities
Where it's running
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Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: İrem Ece İçöz, Bachelor's degree
- Email: iremece.icoz@ogr.iuc.edu.tr
- Phone: 90+ 5511040686
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This project will test whether patient education alone helps people aged 18–65 with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain reduce pain and improve function.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.