Central Sensitization and Functional Outcomes in Chronic Shoulder Pain

NCT07654023 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: CS-Shoulder-2026
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 59
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This prospective observational cohort study aims to investigate whether baseline central sensitization and psychological factors predict functional outcomes following rehabilitation in individuals with chronic shoulder pain. Participants with chronic shoulder pain will receive a standardized 6-week physiotherapy and rehabilitation program routinely applied in the clinic. Assessments will be performed before and after treatment, including pain severity, shoulder function, central sensitization symptoms, and psychological factors such as pain catastrophizing. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of biopsychosocial factors affecting rehabilitation outcomes in chronic shoulder pain and help improve individualized rehabilitation approaches.

Conditions

Chronic Shoulder Pain

Keywords

Chronic shoulder pain; Central sensitization; Physical therapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)

  The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a validated questionnaire used to assess shoulder pain and disability. Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater pain and disability.

  Baseline and 6 weeks after rehabilitation

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI)

  Baseline and 6 weeks after rehabilitation

• Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS)

  Baseline and 6 weeks after rehabilitation

• Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale)

  Baseline and 6 weeks after rehabilitation

• Shoulder Range of Motion

  Baseline and 6 weeks after rehabilitation

• Shoulder Muscle Strength

  Baseline and 6 weeks after rehabilitation

Study Arms (1)

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Program

A standardized 6-week exercise-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation program including patient education, scapular stabilization exercises, strengthening exercises, range of motion exercises, functional training, and home exercise recommendations routinely applied in clinical practice.

Other: Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Program

Interventions

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Program OTHER

A standardized 6-week exercise-based physiotherapy and rehabilitation program routinely applied in clinical practice, including patient education, scapular stabilization exercises, strengthening exercises, range of motion exercises, functional training, and home exercise recommendations for individuals with chronic shoulder pain.

Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Adults with chronic shoulder pain who are referred to physiotherapy and rehabilitation clinics and scheduled to receive a standardized 6-week physiotherapy rehabilitation program. Participants will include individuals with shoulder pain associated with conditions such as rotator cuff-related shoulder pain, subacromial pain syndrome, and adhesive capsulitis.

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 years and older
• Presence of chronic shoulder pain lasting at least 3 months
• Clinical findings consistent with shoulder-related pain
• Willingness to participate in a 6-week physiotherapy rehabilitation program
• Ability to complete study assessments and questionnaires
• Provision of written informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• History of shoulder surgery within the previous 6 months
• Major shoulder trauma within the previous 6 months
• Serious pathology affecting the shoulder (e.g., infection, tumor, systemic inflammatory disease)
• Neurological disorders affecting the upper extremity (e.g., cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy, peripheral nerve injury)
• Severe cognitive impairment
• Communication problems preventing participation
• Shoulder injection within the previous 4 weeks
• Pregnancy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Pamukkale University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy Üniversitesi

Burdur, Türkiye, 19300, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Central Study Contacts

ayşenur yılmaz, Assistant Professor, PT,PhD

CONTACT

+905432833819; fzt.aysenurgungor@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 4, 2026
• First Posted: June 17, 2026
• Study Start: June 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2026
• Last Updated: June 17, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)