Shoulder-focused versus whole-body physiotherapy for volleyball players with shoulder pain
Focusing the Shoulder or Considering the Whole-Body? A Randomized Controlled Trial on Physiotherapy Protocols for the Painful Shoulder in Volleyball Players
NA · University of Trieste · NCT07072091
We will test whether shoulder-focused or whole-body physiotherapy helps volleyball players with shoulder pain more than education alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 17 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Trieste (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Trieste, Trieste) |
| Trial ID | NCT07072091 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional project will compare three approaches for volleyball-related shoulder pain: shoulder-focused physiotherapy, whole-body physiotherapy, and an education-only program. Participants who meet entry criteria will be assigned to one of the three interventions and receive their allocated program at the University of Trieste Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology Lab. Outcomes related to pain, function, and movement will be measured before and after the intervention period to compare effects. The goal is to determine whether treating the whole body provides added benefit over targeting only the shoulder or providing education.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are volleyball players with shoulder pain who have practiced the sport for at least 5 years and train at least 5 hours per week.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of prior shoulder or spine surgery or fractures are excluded and are unlikely to benefit from the interventions tested here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve pain and shoulder function for volleyball players by identifying the more effective physiotherapy approach.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research suggests whole-body approaches can influence kinematic chains and correct muscle imbalances, but direct comparisons in volleyball players are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * practicing volleyball for at least 5 years with a training volume of minimum 5 h/wk Exclusion Criteria: * history of previous surgical intervention or fractures on the shoulder or spine
Where this trial is running
Trieste, Trieste
- University of Trieste - Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology Lab — Trieste, Trieste, Italy (RECRUITING)
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: Shoulder Pain, Volleyball Players