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Rotator Cuff SyndromeNCT07376811

Effect Of Sleeping Posture Guidance On Sleep Quality In Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome

A study testing Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy + Sleep Guidance in people with Rotator Cuff Syndrome and Rotator Cuff Injury, run by Federal University of São Paulo at 1 site in Brazil.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study investigates sleep quality in patients with Rotator Cuff Syndrome (RCS) undergoing physical therapy treatment. Existing literature presents a gap regarding longitudinal studies evaluating the impact of physical therapy and different sleeping positions on sleep quality within this specific population. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
What is being tested?
Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy + Sleep Guidance
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
64 participants
Where
1 siteBrazil
Study dates
1 Mar 2026to 1 Nov 2029
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Clinical and/or radiological diagnosis of Rotator Cuff Syndrome (RCS).
  • Presence of shoulder pain for at least 3 months (chronic pain).
  • Patients aged between 18 and 65 years.
  • Patients referred for conservative physical therapy treatment.
  • Ability to understand and answer the assessment questionnaires (PSQI, MSQ, ASES, and VAS).
  • Voluntarily signing the Informed Consent Form (ICF).

Who cannot join

  • History of surgical procedures on the affected shoulder.
  • Presence of fractures or recent acute trauma in the shoulder or upper limb.
  • Associated neurological disorders, inflammatory systemic diseases (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis), or adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder).
  • Previous diagnosis of primary sleep disorders unrelated to pain (e.g., severe obstructive sleep apnea) already under clinical treatment.
  • Recent history of corticosteroid injections in the shoulder (within the last 3 months).

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Brazil1 site
  • Instituto Buran

    São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo, 09520070

    THIAGO COSTA BURAN, 11975719815, thiburan@hotmail.com

Other trials in Brazil

About this study

Official title: Effect Of Sleeping Posture Guidance On Sleep Quality In Patients With Rotator Cuff Syndrome Undergoing Physical Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study investigates sleep quality in patients with Rotator Cuff Syndrome (RCS) undergoing physical therapy treatment. Existing literature presents a gap regarding longitudinal studies evaluating the impact of physical therapy and different sleeping positions on sleep quality within this specific population. The central hypothesis is that physical therapy, combined with guidance on the best sleeping positions, reduces pain, improves shoulder function, and consequently promotes an improvement in sleep quality for RCS patients over time. The justification for this research lies in the need to better understand the relationship between physical therapy and sleep quality in RCS patients, aiming for the development of more effective and less invasive interventions. Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic pain, a common symptom of RCS, is intrinsically linked to sleep disturbances, which can lead to deleterious effects such as dopamine reduction, alterations in the descending pain modulation system, and central sensitization. Improvements in sleep quality have been observed after surgical procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy and arthroplasty, often associated with improved function and pain reduction. Thus, this study seeks to longitudinally evaluate whether physical therapy is capable of promoting a sustained improvement in sleep quality for patients with RCS

Read the detailed description

Background and Rationale Rotator Cuff Syndrome (RCS) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain and functional limitation, which significantly impacts patients' quality of life. While physical therapy is a standard conservative treatment for reducing pain and restoring shoulder function, its longitudinal effect on sleep quality remains under-researched. Chronic pain in RCS is intrinsically linked to sleep disturbances, potentially leading to central sensitization and alterations in the pain modulation system. This study aims to address the gap in literature regarding the added benefit of structured sleep posture guidance when combined with standard rehabilitation.

Study Design and Procedures This is a parallel-group, randomized controlled clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The study is designed as a simple-blind trial, where the outcome assessors will be blinded to the participants' group assignments.

Participants will be recruited from a specialized orthopedic and physical therapy center. Following the initial assessment (T0), eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the Control Group or the Intervention Group using a set of sealed, opaque envelopes generated by an independent researcher.

Intervention Protocols

Control Group (Standard Physical Therapy): Participants will undergo a standardized physical therapy protocol consisting of 10 sessions (twice weekly for 5 weeks). The sessions follow evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for RCS and include:

Education on ergonomics and modifications of activities of daily living. Articular mobilization and manual therapy techniques. Progressive resisted exercises, including both isometric and isotonic modalities, focused on analgesia and functional recovery.

Intervention Group (Physical Therapy + Sleep Posture Guidance): Participants in this group will receive the exact same 10-session physical therapy protocol as the Control Group. Additionally, they will receive structured and personalized sleep posture guidance during the first week, with monthly reinforcements. This additional intervention includes:

Specific instructions on ideal sleeping positions to minimize nocturnal shoulder stress (e.g., avoiding sleeping on the affected shoulder).

Practical guidance on the use of supportive pillows to maintain the shoulder in a neutral and comfortable position throughout the night.

Follow-up and Data Management The total duration of the active treatment phase is 5 weeks. Data collection occurs at three specific time points: baseline (Week 1), post-intervention (Week 5), and a late follow-up (Week 12). Assessments at Week 1 and Week 5 are conducted in person, while the Week 12 follow-up is conducted remotely via an online platform. Data will be stored and managed using secure digital platforms to ensure participant confidentiality and data integrity.

Statistical Plan Overview The sample size of 64 participants was calculated to detect significant changes in sleep quality based on established PSQI score variances from similar populations. Statistical analysis will utilize both descriptive and inferential methods, applying a significance level of p ≤ 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Univariate and bivariate analyses will be performed to examine the relationships between pain levels, shoulder function, and sleep quality over time.

Being tested
Physical Therapy, Physical Therapy + Sleep Guidance
Keywords
rotator cuff syndrome, sleep quality, sleeping position, physical therapy, randomized controlled trial, shoulder pain, rehabilitation
Medical subject headings
Rotator Cuff Injuries, Sleep Wake Disorders, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Shoulder Pain

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Physical TherapyProcedure or surgery

    This intervention is applied to all study participants (both groups). Participants receive the same 5-week standard physical therapy protocol (10 sessions, twice weekly) including manual therapy and progressive exercises, following evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for Rotator Cuff Syndrome.

  • Physical Therapy + Sleep GuidanceBehavioural

    Participants receive structured education and guidance on sleeping positions and pillow use to optimize sleep quality.

Study groups in NCT07376811
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Active Comparator group (Physical Therapy)Active comparatorParticipants receive the same 5-week standard physical therapy protocol (10 sessions, twice weekly) including manual therapy and progressive exercises, following evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for Rotator Cuff Syndrome.
Receives: Procedure: Physical Therapy
Experimental group (Physical Therapy combined with Sleeping Posture Guidance)ExperimentalParticipants receive a 5-week standard physical therapy protocol (10 sessions, twice weekly) consisting of manual therapy and progressive exercises, plus structured education and guidance on sleeping positions and pillow use to optimize sleep quality.
Receives: Procedure: Physical Therapy; Behavioral: Physical Therapy + Sleep Guidance

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in sleep quality between the Physical Therapy Group and the Physical Therapy + Sleeping Posture Guidance Group

    Change in Sleep Quality Score as Measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

    Description: The PSQI is a self-reported questionnaire that assesses sleep quality over a one-month interval. It consists of 19 individual items, creating seven "component" scores: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction. The sum of scores for these seven components yields one global score.

    Scoring: The global score ranges from 0 to 21, where lower scores indicate better sleep quality. A global PSQI score greater than 5 is considered an indicator of relevant sleep disturbances.

    Measured: Time Points: Baseline (Week 1), Post-intervention (Week 5), and Follow-up (Week 12)

  2. To compare the change in sleep quality between the Physical Therapy Group and the Physical Therapy + Sleeping Posture Guidance Group

    Change in Sleep Quality Score as Measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

    Description: The PSQI is a self-reported questionnaire that assesses sleep quality over a one-month interval. It consists of 19 individual items, creating seven "component" scores: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction. The sum of scores for these seven components yields one global score.

    Scoring: The global score ranges from 0 to 21, where lower scores indicate better sleep quality. A global PSQI score greater than 5 is considered an indicator of relevant sleep disturbances.

    Measured: Time Points: Baseline (Week 1), Post-intervention (Week 5), and Follow-up (Week 12).

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Change in Shoulder Function as Measured by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score

    The ASES is a standardized assessment form used to evaluate shoulder function and pain. It consists of two sections: a patient self-evaluation and a clinical assessment. The patient section focuses on pain (measured by a Visual Analog Scale) and 10 items related to activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, grooming, and lifting objects).

    Scoring: The total score is converted to a 100-point scale, where 100 represents a normal, pain-free shoulder and 0 indicates severe disability and pain.

    Measured: Baseline (Week 1), Post-intervention (Week 5), and Follow-up (Week 12).

  2. Change in Pain Intensity as Measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    The VAS (Escala Visual Analógica - EVA) is a unidimensional measure of pain intensity. It consists of a 10-centimeter line where the left end represents "no pain" (0) and the right end represents "the worst imaginable pain" (10). Patients are asked to mark the point on the line that best represents their current pain level.

    Scoring: The score is determined by measuring the distance (in centimeters or millimeters) from the "no pain" end to the patient's mark.

    Measured: Baseline (Week 1), Post-intervention (Week 5), and Follow-up (Week 12)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted29 Jan 2026
  2. Study start1 Mar 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 Sep 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Nov 2029 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This is a two-arm, parallel-group randomized clinical trial designed to compare the efficacy of two conservative treatment approaches. Participants diagnosed with Rotator Cuff Syndrome (RCS) are randomly allocated to one of two groups: an Active Comparator group (Standard Physical Therapy) or an Experimental group (Standard Physical Therapy combined with Sleeping Posture Guidance). The study evaluates outcomes at three distinct time points: baseline (T0), immediate post-intervention at 5 weeks (T5), and a long-term follow-up at 12 weeks (T12).
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
64 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07376811
Sponsor's protocol ID
93319125.3.0000.5505
Status last verified
Jan 2026
First submitted
14 Jan 2026
Last updated
29 Jan 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Hodgetts CJ, Leboeuf-Yde C, Beynon A, Walker BF. Shoulder pain prevalence by age and within occupational groups: a systematic review. Arch Physiother. 2021 Nov 4;11(1):24. doi: 10.1186/s40945-021-00119-w.

    PubMed 34736540
  • Cofield RH. Rotator cuff disease of the shoulder. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1985 Jul;67(6):974-9. No abstract available.

    PubMed 4019548
  • Khazzam MS, Mulligan EP, Brunette-Christiansen M, Shirley Z. Sleep Quality in Patients With Rotator Cuff Disease. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2018 Mar 15;26(6):215-222. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00547.

    PubMed 29517624
  • Finan PH, Goodin BR, Smith MT. The association of sleep and pain: an update and a path forward. J Pain. 2013 Dec;14(12):1539-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2013.08.007.

    PubMed 24290442
  • Desmeules F, Roy JS, Lafrance S, Charron M, Dube MO, Dupuis F, Beneciuk JM, Grimes J, Kim HM, Lamontagne M, McCreesh K, Shanley E, Vukobrat T, Michener LA. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy Diagnosis, Nonsurgical Medical Care, and Rehabilitation: A Clinical Practice Guideline. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025 Apr;55(4):235-274. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2025.13182.

    PubMed 40165544

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy + Sleep Guidance in people with Rotator Cuff Syndrome and Rotator Cuff Injury, run by Federal University of São Paulo at 1 site in Brazil.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Brazil. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Thiago C Buran (+5511975719815, thiburan@hotmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in sleep quality between the Physical Therapy Group and the Physical Therapy + Sleeping Posture Guidance Group (time frame: Time Points: Baseline (Week 1), Post-intervention (Week 5), and Follow-up (Week 12)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07376811, which also lists 5 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Jan 2026.

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