Effects of Knowledge of Results Intervention in Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder Pain

Summary

Previous research demonstrates that augmented feedback effectively enhances motor skills and performance in both healthy individuals and those with neurological conditions. However, while the role of Knowledge of Results (KR)-a specific augmented feedback strategy-in supporting motor learning is well-established, its efficacy in improving rehabilitation outcomes remains unclear. Notably, there is a lack of studies in the current literature investigating the effects of augmented feedback strategies in individuals with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP). Given the complex and multidimensional pain neurophysiology associated with RCRSP, a KR intervention is hypothesized to hold significant potential for restoring motor control, correcting pain-driven maladaptive movement patterns, alleviating pain, and recovering function in this population. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a KR intervention on clinical outcomes, physical performance, and psychosocial parameters in individuals with RCRSP. The study is designed as a two-arm, prospective, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly allocated to either the intervention (n = 28; standard rehabilitation program+ KR intervention)or control group (n = 28; standard rehabilitation program) using computer-based randomization software (www.sealedenvelope.com). Both groups will undergo the same routine exercise-based treatment protocol over an 8-week period, consisting of one physiotherapist-supervised session per week and a home exercise program on the remaining days. While the control group will solely receive the standard rehabilitation program, the intervention group will additionally receive the KR intervention, wherein their assessment results will be regularly shared throughout the treatment process. Conversely, these data will only be disclosed to the control group participants at the conclusion of the 8-week intervention.

Conditions

• Rotator Cuff-related Shoulder Pain
• Augmented Feedback
• Rehabilitation

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Knowledge of Results

Knowledge of Results (KR) is an augmented feedback strategy designed to provide patients with objective, quantifiable data regarding their clinical and physical progress. In this study, the KR intervention will be administered weekly, immediately prior to each supervised treatment session. After the completion of routine pre-session assessments (including pain intensity, disability level, range of motion, isometric strength, and GROC), the physiotherapist will verbally and numerically communicate the patient's current scores, alongside the absolute change recorded compared to the previous week. To maximize the patient's focus on their cumulative recovery, this feedback will be delivered directly and explicitly using a clear, emphasized tone of voice. For example, "your pain level this week is 4 out of 10, which is a 10% decrease compared to last week".

OTHER

Standart Rehabilitation

Participants allocated to the control group will solely undergo the standard 8-week shoulder rehabilitation program, which comprises patient education, targeted manual therapy, and the structured progressive exercise regimen, identical to the intervention group. To isolate the effects of the augmented feedback, the physiotherapist will strictly withhold the current measurement results and any information regarding their weekly progress.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Elif Turgut

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-05

Primary Completion

2028-01-01

Completion

2028-01-01

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations