Investigating factors affecting chronic shoulder pain

Investigation of the Profile of Patients With Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Cross-sectional Study

Observational University of Thessaly · NCT05481710

This study is trying to find out what factors, like stress and lifestyle, might be causing chronic shoulder pain in patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment160 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Thessaly Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Lamia, Sterea Ellada and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05481710 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify predictors of nociplastic pain in patients suffering from chronic shoulder pain. Participants will undergo a series of assessments, including questionnaires on demographics, pain history, and psychological factors, followed by physical examinations and sensory tests. The study will focus on understanding the interplay between psychological distress, functionality, and lifestyle factors in relation to chronic pain. The classification system proposed by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) will be utilized to identify nociplastic pain.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include men and women aged 18-65 with chronic shoulder pain lasting more than three months.

Not a fit: Patients with referred shoulder pain from other primary sources or those with chronic pain syndromes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of chronic shoulder pain, enhancing patient care.

How similar studies have performed: While nociplastic pain is a recognized concept, this specific approach to studying its predictors in chronic shoulder pain is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients (men and women) with chronic shoulder pain (lasting more than 3 months, 3/10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale),
* aged 18-65 years
* mentally able to follow instructions or
* healthy volunteers
* aged 18-65
* who do not experience pain and have not received analgesic medication in the last trimester.

Exclusion Criteria:

* referred shoulder pain from different primary sources of pain (eg shoulder pain in women with mastectomy or stroke),
* pain manifested by movements in the neck,
* shoulder arthroplasty or fractures or dislocation of the shoulder, -
* diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic regional pain syndrome, cancer diagnosis, osteoporosis, rheumatic inflammatory diseases,
* use of medication for neurological/psychiatric disorders,
* the presence of gastrointestinal or renal disease
* taking medication that may affect the assessment results, such as calcium channel blockers that could alter HRV,
* pregnancy or childbirth before 1 year will be excluded from the study.

Where this trial is running

Lamia, Sterea Ellada and 1 other locations

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.
Conditions Chronic Shoulder Painchronic painshoulder painnociplastic painpredictors
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.