Immersive Virtual Reality Versus Conventional Physiotherapy for Shoulder Tendinopathy (NCT07592156) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Immersive Virtual Reality Versus Conventional Physiotherapy for Shoulder Tendinopathy
Spain20 participantsStarted 2026-05-01
Plain-language summary
Immersive virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool to support therapeutic exercise by increasing patient motivation, promoting movement through gamification, and potentially reducing pain perception during movement. However, evidence regarding its use in shoulder tendinopathy remains limited.
This randomized controlled pilot study will evaluate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of an immersive VR-based exercise program compared with conventional physiotherapy in patients with shoulder tendinopathy. A total of 20 patients referred to the Rehabilitation Department of Hospital Universitario de La Línea de la Concepción will be randomly allocated to either a conventional therapeutic exercise group or an immersive VR-based exercise group. Both interventions will last 4 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, for a total of 12 sessions.
The primary outcome will be shoulder pain and disability measured with the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Secondary outcomes will include pain intensity, upper limb function, shoulder range of motion, isometric strength, kinesiophobia, and patient satisfaction. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and immediately after the 4-week intervention
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 80 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Confirmed diagnosis of shoulder tendinopathy.
* Referral to the shoulder rehabilitation program.
* Age between 18 and 80 years.
* Willingness to use immersive virtual reality headsets.
* Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Acute or exacerbated phase of shoulder tendinopathy, defined as resting pain greater than 7 points on a 0-to-10 Numeric Rating Scale.
* Simultaneous participation in another clinical study.
* Current physiotherapy treatment for the same shoulder condition.
* Recent infiltrative treatment within the previous 3 months.
* Any condition contraindicating the use of immersive virtual reality, including photosensitive epilepsy, severe vertigo, claustrophobia, or active ocular or facial infections.
* Intolerance to the use of virtual reality headsets.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) score
Timeframe: Baseline and immediately after the 4-week intervention