Pilot Study of a Wearable Feedback Device to Help Manage Work-Related Shoulder Pain in Adult Workers

What this Trial Is About

Work-related shoulder pain is a common issue that causes significant pain, disability, and reduced quality of life among workers. This research aims to evaluate a new wearable feedback device called the Shoulder Watch Load SWL, which measures shoulder movements and muscle activity to provide real-time feedback. The study assesses the devices feasibility and its potential to reduce physical work demands and improve pain and disability in workers with shoulder disorders such as rotator cuff-related pain, shoulder osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. The study involves 42 workers with shoulder pain divided into two groups. One group will use the SWL device for two weeks along with an education session, receiving feedback and support to adjust physical work demands. The other group will receive only the education session. The device collects real-time data during work and is adjusted by a physiotherapist to help workers adapt their tasks. The study includes a pilot clinical trial followed by an analysis of user experiences. Participants will attend an education session delivered by a physiotherapist at the workplace after two weeks. Various assessments, including questionnaires about disability, pain, work limitations, and physical work demands, will be conducted at baseline, during the intervention, and up to 12 weeks. Researchers will measure feasibility outcomes such as recruitment, adherence, and technology acceptability, along with clinical outcomes like pain severity and work limitations. The total study duration includes baseline, intervention weeks, and follow-up assessments to monitor changes over time.

Could a Feedback Device Help Manage Work-related Shoulder Disorders?