Comparing Personalized and Standard Exercise Programs for Adults with Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain To Improve Pain, Function, and Autonomic Regulation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether adding personalized contextual factors to an exercise program can improve pain and function in people with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, a common condition causing shoulder discomfort and activity limitations. This randomized controlled trial compares two exercise programs to determine if including personalized elements enhances recovery, pain relief, autonomic nervous system regulation, psychological outcomes, exercise adherence, and therapeutic alliance. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups receive the same standardized, evidence-based exercise program twice a week for 12 weeks, including a structured home exercise plan. One group experiences a fixed, neutral delivery of the program, while the other group receives added personalized contextual features such as preferred music and lighting, choice between equivalent exercises, motivational feedback, supportive communication, and personalized progress tracking. The intervention period is followed by assessments extending to 12 months. Throughout the study, participants complete questionnaires assessing pain, function, psychological factors, and exercise adherence. Heart rate variability is measured to evaluate autonomic nervous system regulation. Researchers will measure outcomes at multiple time points, including baseline, during treatment, and up to one year after. The trial aims to provide insight into the impact of contextual personalization on exercise therapy outcomes for shoulder pain.

Contextually Enhanced Exercise Programs for Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain