Pre-surgery exercise program to improve internal rotation after reverse shoulder replacement
Does Undergoing a Prehabilitation Protocol Aimed at Optimizing Scapulothoracic Mobility and Strengthening Improve Internal Rotation After Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty? A Randomized Controlled Trial
University of Florida · NCT07145957
A 6-week pre-surgery exercise program that tries to help people getting a reverse shoulder replacement improve internal rotation by strengthening and mobilizing the shoulder girdle.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Florida (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT07145957 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults aged 40–80 scheduled for primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis or rotator cuff arthropathy are randomized to either a targeted 6-week prehabilitation program or usual care. The prehabilitation emphasizes scapulothoracic mobility and internal rotation strengthening delivered with monthly therapy visits plus home exercises. Outcomes include internal rotation range of motion, strength, patient-reported function for activities of daily living that require internal rotation, and at least two years of postoperative monitoring. The trial excludes revision cases, fractures, tumor pathology, planned tendon transfers, and patients unable to complete the prehab or follow-up requirements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 40–80 undergoing primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty for glenohumeral osteoarthritis or rotator cuff arthropathy who can attend monthly therapy, perform home exercises for six weeks before surgery, and commit to two years of follow-up.
Not a fit: Patients with septic shoulder, fracture or tumor pathology, revision procedures, planned intraoperative tendon transfers, significant hand/wrist/elbow limitations, or those unable to attend prehab sessions or long-term follow-up are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have better internal rotation and improved ability to perform daily tasks after reverse shoulder replacement.
How similar studies have performed: Most prior efforts to improve internal rotation after reverse arthroplasty focused on surgical or implant changes, and prehabilitation targeting scapulothoracic mechanics is relatively novel with limited direct evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: • Patients aged 40-80 * Undergoing primary RSA for glenohumeral osteoarthritis or rotator cuff arthropathy * Must be able to read and speak English * Willing and able to attend a monthly therapy session and perform exercises at home for a minimum of 6 weeks before surgery * Willing and able to participate in postoperative monitoring for a minimum of 2 years Exclusion Criteria: * Patients under the age of 40 and over the age of 80. * Diagnosis of septic shoulder, fracture, or fracture sequelae, or tumor pathology of the ipsilateral shoulder * Pre-existing hand, wrist, or elbow pathology that limits elbow flexion or extension, or forearm pronation or supination * Planned to undergo synchronous procedure of the involved extremity (e.g., synchronous RSA and carpal tunnel release) * Tendon transfer (e.g., Latissimus dorsi transfer) performed intraoperatively * Patients without access to phone or email communication for at least 2 years after treatment * Revision shoulder arthroplasty
Where this trial is running
Gainesville, Florida
- University of Florida Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation — Gainesville, Florida, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jonathan Wright, MD — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Jonathan Wright, MD
- Email: wrightjo@ortho.ufl.edu
- Phone: (352) 273-7374
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.
Conditions: Primary Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty