Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Optimizing the Use of Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation for Individuals With Persistent Shoulder Pain
Sponsor: Laval University
Summary
The primary objective of this clinical trial is to investigate the effect of a block of four specific virtual reality (VR) exercises on upper limb function, pain, kinesiophobia, and pain catastrophizing in individuals with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). The secondary objective is to examine participants' tolerability of different VR interventions. Study Procedures: Participants will: * Attend a face-to-face assessment to confirm eligibility and receive a standardized pain neurophysiology education session (week 0). * Visit the clinic once weekly for four weeks to undergo the VR interventions and review pain education concepts (Weeks 5 to 8). * Complete online questionnaires evaluating upper limb function, kinesiophobia, pain, sense of presence, and cybersickness. Interventions Four VR interventions will be tested: * Unimanual distraction task with normal visual feedback * Bimanual distraction task with normal visual feedback * Unimanual reaching task with augmented visual feedback * Unimanual reaching task with diminished visual feedback Findings will guide clinicians in selecting the most effective VR interventions for shoulder impairment and assess the feasibility of implementing VR in a private physiotherapy clinic for individuals with RCRSP.
Official title: Optimizing the Use of Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation for Individuals With Persistent Rotator Cuff-related Shoulder Pain
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
30
Start Date
2026-01-15
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2025-12-19
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Virtual reality unimanual distraction task
Unimanual tasks (performed with the affected limb) with unaltered visual feedback will involve distraction exercises in which participants move a tray toward targets while keeping a ball balanced on the tray. Three trials with varying levels of friction between the ball and tray will be presented to manipulate the task's difficulty.
Virtual reality bimanual distraction task
Bimanual tasks with unaltered visual feedback (targets positioned based on the affected limb) will involve distraction exercises in which participants move a tray toward targets while keeping a ball balanced on the tray. Three trials with varying levels of friction between the ball and tray will be presented to adjust task difficulty.
Virtual reality unimanual reaching tasks with augmented visual feedback
Three trials with varying levels of visual feedback alteration will be performed, corresponding to a 0%, 25%, or 50% amplification of movement in the virtual environment compared to the real world. While virtual targets will appear farther apart, the actual movement required to reach them will remain the same across all trials.
Virtual reality unimanual reaching tasks with decreased visual feedback
Three trials with varying levels of visual feedback alteration will be performed, corresponding to a 0%, 17%, or 33% reduction in movement in the virtual environment compared to the real world. Although the virtual targets will appear closer together, the actual movement required to reach them will remain the same across all trials.
Locations (1)
Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration
Québec, Quebec, Canada