How hemiplegic shoulder pain after stroke affects arm movement, trunk control, balance, mobility, and daily independence.

Effects of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain on Body Structure and Activity in Patients With Stroke

Kutahya Health Sciences University · NCT07559006

This project will see if adults with hemiplegic shoulder pain after a stroke have worse arm movement, trunk control, fear of falling, mobility, and independence in everyday activities compared with those without shoulder pain.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorKutahya Health Sciences University (other)
Locations1 site (Kütahya, Kütahya)
Trial IDNCT07559006 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an observational study that compares two groups of adults with stroke — those with hemiplegic shoulder pain and those without — to measure differences in upper extremity motor function, trunk control, fear of falling, mobility, and independence in activities of daily living. Participants will complete standardized motor and functional scales, pain ratings, and radiologic shoulder assessments where applicable. Investigators will compare group scores and look for correlations between the Upper Shoulder Pain Rating Scale (USPRS), imaging findings, and functional outcome measures. The design is cross-sectional within an acute/subacute stroke population and does not introduce experimental treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older with a diagnosis of stroke, Mini Mental State Examination score of 24 or higher, and a shoulder pain VAS of 3 or more who can attend assessments at the study site are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with other neurological diseases (besides stroke), significant communication deficits or neglect, recent upper or lower extremity surgery within six months, or severe cognitive impairment are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from the study findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If results show clear links between shoulder pain and worse functional outcomes, clinicians could better target rehabilitation and pain management to improve arm function and independence after stroke.

How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have reported associations between hemiplegic shoulder pain and poorer upper-limb function and mobility, though randomized interventional evidence to reduce long-term impact is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having a diagnosis of stroke
* Aged ≥ 18 years old
* Mini Mental State Test score ≥ 24 points
* Having a shoulder VAS score of 3 points or higher

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having another neurological disease (except for stroke
* Having communication deficits or neglect
* Having a surgery upper or lower extremity in the last 6 months

Where this trial is running

Kütahya, Kütahya

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Stroke, stroke, hemiplegic shoulder pain, trunk control, upper extremity, mobility

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.