Who benefits most from patient education alone for rotator cuff–related shoulder pain?
Which Patient Group Shows Greater Improvement With Patient Education Alone in Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain? - A Cohort Study
NA · Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT07324343
This project will test whether patient education alone helps people aged 18–65 with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain reduce pain and improve function.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 116 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07324343 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will enroll 116 people aged 18–65 who present with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa's shoulder clinic. The Patient Knowledge Questionnaire (PKQ‑RCRSP) will be translated into Turkish, validated, and administered at baseline and after one week. Participants will receive two face‑to‑face patient education sessions and be followed at 4, 12, and 24 weeks to measure pain (NPRS), function (SPADI), global change (GRC), illness perception (B‑IPQ), knowledge (PKQ‑RCRSP), health literacy (HLS‑EU‑Q6) and activity (IPAQ). The cohort design will compare which patient subgroups show greater clinical improvement with education alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 18–65 with activity-related rotator cuff–related shoulder pain lasting at least 4 weeks but under 12 months, with pain ≥3/10, who can attend in-person sessions and provide consent.
Not a fit: Patients with full-thickness or massive rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, prior shoulder surgery, recent injections or physical therapy, neurological or psychiatric conditions that prevent participation, or pain lasting over 12 months are unlikely to benefit from education alone.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a low-cost, non-invasive way to reduce pain and improve function for many people with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research combining education with exercise has often improved outcomes, but evidence specifically for education alone is limited and results have been mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals aged 18-65 years * Shoulder pain persisting for at least 4 weeks * Diagnosed by an orthopedic physician with impingement, subacromial bursitis, rotator cuff (RC) tendinopathy, or partial tear * Activity-related pain ≥3 on the NPRS * Cognitively able to understand the education and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of shoulder surgery * Diagnosis of frozen shoulder, full-thickness or massive rotator cuff (RC) tear, or instability * Presence of neurological or psychiatric conditions that prevent exercise * History of physical therapy-rehabilitation or injection treatment within the past 6 months * Pain persisting for more than 12 months
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- İstanbul University Cerrahpasa Faculty of Health Sciences, İstanbul — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Merve KOYUNCU CENİKLİ Research asistant, MSc
- Email: merve.cenikli@iuc.edu.tr
- Phone: +90(0212) 414 15 00
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 Syndrome, Subacromial Pain Syndrome, Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain, Patient Education, patient education