ArticlePloS one2025
A standardized criteria-based progressive shoulder exercise program is effective in managing rotator cuff-related shoulder pain: A prospective cohort study.
Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Exercise interventions for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain in middle-aged and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC musculoskeletal disorders · 2026Pooled it
- Digital Rehabilitation Following Ultrasound-Guided Injection for Chronic Rotator Cuff Injury: Randomized Controlled Trial.Journal of medical Internet research · 2026Trial
- Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundNon-operative management of patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) has been shown to be effective with outcomes similar to operative interventions. Exercise therapy and education are recommended as first-line treatments; however, program content, progression and referral criteria are typically inadequately detailed to be easily reproduced by clinicians. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a well-defined, criteria-based progressive exercise physical therapy (PT) program in patients with rotator cuff related shoulder pain (RCRSP) over a 26-week evaluation period. METHODS AND
findingsA longitudinal, prospective cohort study evaluated 143 patients aged 30-65 years with RCRSP. Participants participated in a 12-week in-person and home-exercise shoulder program and were assessed at baseline, 6-weeks, 12-weeks and 26-weeks. Primary outcome measures were pain at rest, at night and with activity. Secondary measures were active range of motion (ROM), strength, and health related quality of life (HRQL) using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) score.
resultsSignificant reductions in pain at rest, at night and with activity (p < 0.001) occurred within six weeks and continued to 26-weeks. Active range of motion (ROM), particularly abduction and external rotation in 90 degrees of abduction, significantly improved between 0- and 6-weeks (p < 0.001) as well as at 12-weeks (p < 0.001) and 26-weeks (p < 0.001). Strength similarly improved, especially between 6- and 12-weeks (p < 0.001). Ongoing improvements were reported at 26-weeks. Finally, the WORC score improved over time, with significant improvements at each measurement point, and clinically important improvements occurring within 12 weeks. CONCLUSION(S): Utilizing a criteria-based progressive PT program that provided detailed information, including progression criteria and a proven algorithm for referring non-responsive patients for an orthopedic surgical consult was effective in significantly reducing pain, improving active ROM, strength and HRQL in those living with RCRSP.
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