New training method for military personnel recovering from shoulder dislocation

Apprehension-based Training Compared With Standard Physical Therapy Among Military Personnel Following Anterior Shoulder Dislocation

This study tests a new shoulder training method to see if it helps military personnel recover better from a shoulder dislocation compared to regular physical therapy.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 85 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 39 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Ariel University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Be’er Ya‘aqov)
• Trial ID: NCT06752551 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare a novel rehabilitation approach called apprehension-based training with standard physical therapy for military personnel who have experienced an anterior shoulder dislocation. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the new training method, which focuses on controlling the shoulder under unstable conditions, or to standard physical therapy as determined by their therapist. The primary goal is to assess whether the new training leads to improved recovery outcomes, including better shoulder function and reduced recurrence of dislocations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are military personnel aged 18-39 who have experienced a documented anterior shoulder dislocation and show signs of shoulder instability.

Not a fit: Patients with previous shoulder surgeries, fractures, or certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective rehabilitation and fewer recurrent shoulder dislocations for military personnel.

How similar studies have performed: While similar rehabilitation approaches have been explored, this specific method of apprehension-based training is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in this population.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-39 years
* Shoulder dislocation (primary or recurrent) documented by a medical practitioner (physician, military medic)
* Positive anterior apprehension test
* Gross shoulder muscle strength 3/5 or greater

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous shoulder fracture, tendon tear, or shoulder surgery
* Voluntary shoulder dislocation
* Functional (Stanmore polar III) shoulder instability
* Dislocation associated with a motor vehicle accident.
* Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, cancer (current), fibromyalgia, psychiatric disease)
* Current pregnancy
* Inability to attend at least one physical therapy session every 2 weeks.

Where this trial is running

Be’er Ya‘aqov

• Israel Defense Forces Medical Corps — Be’er Ya‘aqov, Israel (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Alon Rabin, PhD, DPT

Conditions Anterior Shoulder Dislocation; Randomized clinical trial; Anterior shoulder dislocation; Shoulder instability; Physical therapy