Shoulder pain relief without the waiting room? a trial tests remote rehab
NCT ID NCT04322864
First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial asks whether a telerehabilitation program—guided exercises done at home—can reduce shoulder pain and disability as effectively as traditional in-person physiotherapy. Adults aged 18 to 60 with persistent shoulder pain lasting at least three months are randomly assigned to either remote or in-person sessions, both focusing on strengthening key shoulder muscles. Over 12 weeks, researchers measure changes in pain, function, and confidence in managing symptoms. The goal is to see if remote care can expand access to effective treatment for those who face barriers like travel or long wait times.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Telerehabilitation program of therapeutic strengthening exercises
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer a convenient, low-cost alternative to in-person physiotherapy for people with persistent shoulder pain, improving access to care.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is relatively small and results may not apply to all shoulder conditions. Telerehabilitation may not suit everyone, and some patients may prefer or need hands-on guidance.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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184 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2021
- Finished
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Oct 2024
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-60; * Self-reported pain of intensity equal to or greater than 3 points on the numerical pain scale (NDT) at rest or arm movement in the anterolateral region of the shoulder; * Duration of at least 3 months of shoulder pain; Exclusion Criteria: * History of trauma related to the onset of symptoms; * History of clavicle, scapula or humerus fracture; * History of surgical stabilization or rotator cuff repair; * History of shoulder dislocation; * Pain related to the cervical spine; * Adhesive capsulitis; * Systemic disease involving the joints and cognitive alteration that makes it impossible to carry out questionnaires or use the mobile application.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Universidade Federal de São Carlos
São Carlos, São Paulo, 13565-905, Brazil
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