Cognitive Functional Therapy Versus Therapeutic Exercises for Treating Individuals With Chronic Shoulder Pain: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the feasibility of conducting a larger randomized controlled trial comparing Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT) with therapeutic exercises for individuals suffering from chronic shoulder pain. This pilot study aims to identify potential barriers to participation, assess the suitability of assessment methods and outcome measures, and understand recruitment, retention, and adherence rates among participants. The study focuses on the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic shoulder pain, which affects physical function and psychological well-being. The study involves two groups: one receiving Cognitive Functional Therapy through weekly individual in-person sessions lasting about 40 minutes over eight weeks, and the other performing strengthening and stretching exercises twice a week for eight weeks, with each session lasting 30 to 40 minutes. CFT addresses maladaptive cognitive, physical, and lifestyle behaviors contributing to pain, including pain education, functional training, daily activity integration, and lifestyle counseling. The exercise group focuses on targeted stretching and strengthening of shoulder-related muscles using resistance bands. Participants will undergo assessments at baseline, 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of treatment, including measures of pain intensity, disability, self-efficacy, fear of movement, catastrophizing, sleep quality, biopsychosocial factors, treatment expectations, and functional ability. Researchers will monitor recruitment and retention rates and evaluate the acceptability of interventions. The total study duration for participants is eight weeks, during which adherence and treatment effects will be observed and recorded.

Cognitive Functional Therapy for Chronic Shoulder Pain: Pilot and Feasibility Study