Actively Recruiting
The Effect of an Exercise Program Based on Attentional Focus Shifting on Clinical Outcomes in Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain
Led by Istanbul University · Updated on 2026-04-22
46
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of an attention shift-based rehabilitation program on pain, shoulder function, and pain-related thoughts in people with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). This randomized clinical trial aims to compare this new approach, where motor tasks focus on body parts other than the shoulder, with a standard shoulder exercise program. The goal is to see if shifting attention away from the painful shoulder during exercises improves clinical outcomes. The study includes two groups: one performs standard shoulder rehabilitation exercises combined with additional motor tasks targeting other body regions to shift attention away from the shoulder, and the other follows a conventional shoulder rehabilitation program without attention-shifting tasks. Both groups receive patient education and participate in supervised exercise sessions twice a week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting about 60-75 minutes. Participants will be assessed before starting the program, at 6 weeks after finishing the intervention, and again at 12 weeks for follow-up. Clinical evaluations include measuring pain levels using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, shoulder function with the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, and pain catastrophizing using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. All exercises are supervised by a physiotherapist to ensure proper performance and adherence throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Effect of an Exercise Program Based on Attentional Focus Shifting on Clinical Outcomes in Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Having symptoms persisting for at least 3 months
- Experiencing pain intensity of at least 3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale during activity
- Presence of a painful arc during shoulder flexion or abduction
- Positive Neer test or Hawkins-Kennedy test
- Pain provoked by resisted external rotation/abduction of the humerus, or a positive Jobe (Empty Can) test
- Having a clinical diagnosis of subacromial pain syndrome, rotator cuff tendinopathy, subacromial bursitis, or symptomatic partial/full-thickness rotator cuff tear
- Being able to understand and complete questionnaires in Turkish
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of adhesive capsulitis (≥30% limitation in passive range of motion)
- Advanced osteoarthritis of the shoulder
- History of fracture or dislocation affecting the shoulder region
- Advanced acromioclavicular joint pathology
- Massive rotator cuff tear (positive lag signs)
- Previous shoulder surgery
- Presence of neurological disorders
- Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
- History of cancer
- Symptomatic cervical spine pathology
- Corticosteroid injection to the shoulder within the past 6 weeks
- Cognitive impairments that may interfere with the ability to perform clinical tasks or execute attention shift-based exercises
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants receive patient education and participate in a supervised shoulder rehabilitation exercise program twice per week for 6 weeks. One group performs additional motor tasks to shift attention away from the painful shoulder during exercises, while the other group performs standard exercises focused on the shoulder.
Twice weekly supervised exercise sessions (12 sessions total), each lasting approximately 60-75 minutes
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants undergo assessments to evaluate clinical outcomes after completing the exercise program.
1 follow-up visit at 12 weeks after baseline
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rezzan Atay, Bachelor's degree
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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