Immersive virtual reality for Grade 1–2 frozen shoulder
The Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Therapy on Pain, Functionality, Sleep, and Cognitive Functions in Patients With Grade 1-2 Adhesive Capsulitis
This trial will test whether adding immersive virtual reality exercises to education and home exercise helps adults (18–64) with Grade 1–2 adhesive capsulitis improve pain, motion, sleep, and engagement compared with conventional exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Bahçeşehir University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Küçükçekmece, Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07236229 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-center, randomized, controlled prospective trial randomizing 30 adults with Grade 1–2 adhesive capsulitis to immersive virtual reality–based exercise therapy or conventional exercise therapy, with both groups receiving initial patient education and a home exercise program. Treatments are delivered twice weekly for six weeks in 30-minute sessions, with baseline and end-of-treatment assessments. The trial measures clinical outcomes over a six-week course to compare the two exercise delivery methods, with attention to pain, shoulder mobility, adherence, and related symptoms such as sleep and cognition. The protocol excludes patients with prior physiotherapy for the condition, recent shoulder surgery, injections, or mental health conditions that would preclude VR use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–64 diagnosed with Grade 1–2 adhesive capsulitis who are receiving physiotherapy for the first time and are able and willing to use a VR headset.
Not a fit: Patients with more advanced adhesive capsulitis (beyond Grade 1–2), prior physiotherapy for this condition, recent shoulder surgery or injections, or who cannot tolerate or use a VR headset are unlikely to benefit from this specific intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, immersive VR could increase exercise motivation and adherence, reduce pain and improve shoulder mobility and related symptoms, potentially speeding functional recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Prior small studies and literature in musculoskeletal rehabilitation suggest VR-based exercise can reduce pain and improve engagement, but high-quality evidence specifically for frozen shoulder is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis by a doctor * Classified as Grade 1-2 adhesive capsulitis * Receiving physiotherapy for adhesive capsulitis for the first time * Aged between 18 and 64 years * Suitable for using a VR headset Exclusion Criteria: * Previous history of physiotherapy * Presence of any mental disorder * Recent surgery or any shoulder condition (e.g., fractures around the shoulder region) that contraindicates shoulder mobilization * History of receiving injections
Where this trial is running
Küçükçekmece, Istanbul
- Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital — Küçükçekmece, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hande B Gocen, PhD (c) — Istanbul Gelisim University
- Study coordinator: Hande B Gocen, PhD (c)
- Email: handegocen@outlook.com
- Phone: 5313606135
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.