By InvitationNot Applicable

Effect of Virtual Reality-Supported Task-Oriented Training in Individuals With Rotator Cuff Lesions

Turkey (Türkiye)60 participantsStarted 2026-02-16

Plain-language summary

Rotator cuff lesions are among the most common causes of shoulder pain and functional limitation, often affecting daily living activities and quality of life. Conventional physiotherapy interventions such as therapeutic exercises and electrophysical agents are widely used; however, persistent pain, kinesiophobia, and functional disability may limit treatment outcomes. Virtual reality-supported task-oriented training has emerged as a promising rehabilitation approach by providing immersive, functional, and goal-directed activities that may enhance motor performance and psychosocial outcomes. The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effects of virtual reality-supported task-oriented training added to conventional physiotherapy in individuals with rotator cuff lesions. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy (therapeutic exercises and electrophysical agents) and an intervention group receiving virtual reality-supported task-oriented training in addition to conventional physiotherapy. Both groups will undergo treatment three times per week for six weeks, totaling 18 sessions. Outcome measures will include pain intensity at rest, during activity, and at night assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS); grip strength measured by dynamometry; pinch strength measured by pinchmeter; upper extremity function assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; shoulder pain and disability assessed by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI); kinesiophobia assessed by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia; pain catastrophizing assessed by the Pain Catastrophizing Scale; and anxiety and depression assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for individuals with rotator cuff lesions.

Who can participate

Age range18 Years – 65 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged between 18 and 65 years * Diagnosed with a rotator cuff lesion confirmed by clinical examination and/or imaging methods (MRI or ultrasound) * Presence of shoulder pain and functional limitation for at least 3 months * Ability to actively use the affected upper extremity * Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions * Willingness to participate in the study and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of shoulder surgery on the affected side * Full-thickness rotator cuff tear requiring surgical intervention * Presence of shoulder fracture, dislocation, or acute traumatic injury within the last 6 months * Neurological disorders affecting the upper extremity (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy) * Systemic inflammatory or rheumatologic diseases affecting the shoulder (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) * Severe cervical spine pathology with referred shoulder pain * Severe visual, vestibular, or cognitive impairments that may limit participation in virtual reality training * Current participation in another structured shoulder rehabilitation program * Contraindications to physical therapy or virtual reality-based interventions

What they're measuring

Upper extremity functionality

Timeframe: 6 week

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07407088

SponsorKirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-05-01