Feedback Device for Shoulder Pain

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byPhilippe Meidinger, PT, PhD student, PT, PhD student

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Laval University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Work-related shoulder pain is a common problem with significant socio-economic repercussions. The impact of these disorders on workers is considerable, particularly in terms of pain, disability and reduced quality of life. Several occupational factors may explain the onset of these disorders, such as changes in the work environment, physical demands, psychosocial factors specific to the occupational context and the age of workers. The lack of quantitative measurement tools to assess the physical demands of work over an extended period of time is sorely felt. Recently, our team developed a wearable feedback device, similar to a watch worn on the arm, which measures shoulder movements and muscle activity, transforming this real-time data into clinical indicators. These indicators provide immediate feedback to workers, enabling them to better understand the physical demands of their tasks and adapt accordingly. If this device proves effective in reducing physical demands, it could become a valuable tool for guiding workplace assessments and interventions. However, this device has not yet been tested on workers with shoulder pain. For this reason, a two-part pilot study is needed to understand user needs, assess ease of use and the feasibility of implementing the device. The first component will consist of a pilot clinical trial involving 42 workers suffering from shoulder pain, divided into two groups: one group will use the feedback device for 2 weeks, while the other group will continue to work without intervention. The second phase will analyze the experience of participants who have used the device.

Research Team

Philippe Meidinger, PT, PhD student, PT, PhD student

Principal Investigator

Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale (Cirris)

Jean-Sébastien Roy PT, PhD

Principal Investigator

Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale (Cirris)

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for workers experiencing shoulder pain due to conditions like rotator cuff injury, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Participants should be currently employed and suffering from work-related shoulder disorders. There's no mention of specific inclusion or exclusion criteria provided.

Inclusion Criteria

I have shoulder pain from work, scoring at least 14 on the QuickDASH due to rotator cuff pain, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis-specific criteria for RCRSP: presence of a painful arc in flexion or abduction, a positive Neer sign or Hawkins-Kennedy Test, and pain with resisted humeral external rotation or abduction, or a positive Jobe Test; for SOA: diagnosis based on clinical and radiologic findings; for RA involving the shoulder: confirmed diagnosis according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria

I am over 18 and work at least 35 hours a week.

See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I have a recent shoulder injury or condition like a tear, fracture, or instability.

Absenteeism from work

I experience numbness or pain in my hands or feet.

See 3 more

Treatment Details

Interventions

Shoulder watch load (SWL) feedback (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study tests a wearable feedback device (SWL) that monitors shoulder movement and muscle activity, providing real-time data to help manage physical demands at work. The trial has two groups: one uses the device for two weeks; the other works as usual without intervention.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Device + EducationExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

Education session at week 2 and feedback from SWL during week 2 and week 3

Group II: EducationActive Control1 Intervention

Education session at week 2.