Could virtual reality help heal shoulder injuries?
NCT ID NCT07407088
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether adding virtual reality (VR) exercises to standard physical therapy helps people with rotator cuff injuries. Sixty adults with shoulder pain for at least three months were split into two groups: one received standard therapy, the other added VR-based task training. Researchers measured pain, strength, and daily function over six weeks to see if VR made a difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- virtual reality-supported task-oriented training
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a more engaging and effective rehabilitation option for people with rotator cuff injuries, potentially improving recovery outcomes.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Virtual reality training may not provide additional benefit over standard physiotherapy.
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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60 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2026
- Finished
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May 2026
- 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 65 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.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 65 years * Diagnosed with a rotator cuff lesion confirmed by clinical examination and/or imaging methods (MRI or ultrasound) * Presence of shoulder pain and functional limitation for at least 3 months * Ability to actively use the affected upper extremity * Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions * Willingness to participate in the study and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of shoulder surgery on the affected side * Full-thickness rotator cuff tear requiring surgical intervention * Presence of shoulder fracture, dislocation, or acute traumatic injury within the last 6 months * Neurological disorders affecting the upper extremity (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy) * Systemic inflammatory or rheumatologic diseases affecting the shoulder (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) * Severe cervical spine pathology with referred shoulder pain * Severe visual, vestibular, or cognitive impairments that may limit participation in virtual reality training * Current participation in another structured shoulder rehabilitation program * Contraindications to physical therapy or virtual reality-based interventions
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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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Kırşehir Ahi Evran University
Kırşehir, 40100, Turkey (Türkiye)
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