Virtual reality for shoulder rehabilitation

Virtual Reality for Shoulder Rehabilitation: New Approaches and Applications in Orthopedics

Not applicable Interventional Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico · NCT06797492

This project will test whether a virtual reality program is usable and engaging for adults (18–75) with shoulder musculoskeletal disorders during rehabilitation exercises.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Roma, Italy and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06797492 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study will enroll 50 adults with shoulder musculoskeletal disorders at a single center in Rome. Participants will receive a shoulder physical examination, perform guided rehabilitation exercises using an Oculus-based virtual environment, and complete structured questionnaires about usability, sense of presence, and co-presence. Investigators will collect objective movement tracking data from the VR system alongside patient-reported measures to characterize user experience and feasibility. The protocol focuses on measuring how patients perceive and interact with the VR system rather than on long-term clinical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–75 with shoulder musculoskeletal disorders who can follow instructions, tolerate VR devices, and provide informed consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with insufficient cognitive or language function or physical impediments that prevent safe use of VR devices are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the VR approach could make shoulder rehabilitation more engaging, improve adherence to home exercises, and provide objective movement tracking to support therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous VR-based rehabilitation studies have shown promise for improving engagement and some functional outcomes, but results vary and usability and co-presence specifically remain under-studied.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with shoulder musculoskeletal disorders
* Patients aged 18-75 years
* Patients who have signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with insufficient cognitive and language functions to follow instructions provided by clinicians and/or experimenters involved in the project
* Patients who do exhibit impediments that could hinder the use of VR devices

Where this trial is running

Roma, Italy 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 Shoulder Musculoskeletal DisordersMusculoskeletal disordersshoulder rehabilitationvirtual reality
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.