Immersive Virtual Reality Versus Conventional Physiotherapy for Shoulder Tendinopathy

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Conditions studied: Shoulder Tendinopathy

In brief

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

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07592156

Run by

Universidad de Burgos

People needed

20

Starts

2026-05-01

Expected to finish

2026-12-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-05-18

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• 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.

You may not qualify if…

• 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.

Where it is running

• University of Burgos — Burgos, Spain

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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