Nociplastic Pain in SAPS: A Look at Pain Types in Shoulder Pain
Official title: Prevalence of Nociplastic Pain Phenotype in Patients Diagnosed With Subacromial Pain Syndrome (SAPS) - a Cross-sectional Study
Run by Vejle Hospital · NCT07792434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how common nociplastic pain is among people with subacromial pain syndrome who have shoulder pain for at least 3 months.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vejle Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vejle) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 19, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 2028 |
| Study ends | August 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07792434 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 18–70 with SAPS for 3+ months, pain during active elevation, and at least 3/5 positive shoulder tests.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with non-SAPS shoulder conditions or those failing to meet the inclusion criteria may not benefit from these findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This cross-sectional study aims to estimate the proportion of SAPS patients who meet the IASP criteria for nociplastic pain during a clinical evaluation. Participants are adults aged 18–70 with SAPS, at least 3 months of shoulder pain, and positive results on at least three shoulder tests. The primary outcome is the share of patients classified as nociplastic, helping to understand pain mechanisms behind SAPS. The study highlights the potential mismatch between traditional treatments and underlying pain phenotypes and may guide more personalized care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If nociplastic pain is common in SAPS, clinicians may tailor treatments to pain mechanisms beyond conventional exercises.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests facet pain phenotyping is feasible in musculoskeletal conditions, but applying IASP nociplastic criteria to SAPS is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed with SAPS (dm751, dm753, dm754, dm755 2. Shoulder pain ≥ 3 months 3. ≥ 3 out of 5 specific shoulder tests 4. Age 18-70 years 5. Increased pain during active arm elevation 6. Pain during active elevation ≥ 3 (VAS) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Severe visual impairment 2. Epilepsy 3. Severe cognitive or physical impairment 4. Language barrier (Danish)
Where it's running
-
Vejle Hospital
Vejle, Denmark Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Thomas Sørensen, PT, Cand.san — University of Southern Denmark
- Study coordinator: Thomas Sørensen, PT, Cand.san
- Email: thomas.soerensen1@rsyd.dk
- Phone: +4579409871
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Pain phenotype and response to corticosteroid injection in SAPS
This study tests whether people with subacromial pain syndrome who have a nociplastic pain pattern respond differently to a corticosteroid injection than those without that pattern.
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This trial tests whether adding personalized contextual factors to a proven exercise program helps people with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain feel less pain and move better.
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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.