Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41592018›Full record

ArticlePloS one2026

Effectiveness of immersive virtual reality and exercise on clinical, clinimetric and biomarker variables in rotator cuff-related shoulder pain patients: A study protocol for a multicentre randomized clinical trial (IVR- RCRSP-Rehab).

Alberto Roldán-Ruiz, Claudio Villagrán-Soto, Gabriele Bertotti, Miguel López-Moreno, Sandra Sánchez-Jorge, Vicente Fernández-Ruiz, Manuel Rodríguez-Aragón, Javier Guerra-Armas

Abstract readClinical Trial Protocol
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

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.

2 · The registry

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.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Alberto Roldán-RuizInstitute of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-1950-2778
Claudio Villagrán-SotoExercise Science Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Finis Terrae, Providencia, Chile.
Gabriele BertottiInstitute of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7209-3061
Miguel López-MorenoInstitute of Health and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain.
Sandra Sánchez-JorgeDepartamento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.
Vicente Fernández-RuizDepartamento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.
Manuel Rodríguez-AragónDepartamento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9945-0607
Javier Guerra-ArmasExperimental Health Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionShoulder pain is a common reason for physiotherapy consultations, and the high prevalence of rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) calls for novel approaches. Immersive virtual reality (IVR) offers an innovative treatment option to reduce pain, improve mobility and function in RCRSP. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of combining IVR with standard treatment versus standard treatment alone on clinical variables, clinimetric measures, and biomarkers in individuals with chronic RCRSP. MATERIALS AND

methodsA single-blind, multicentre randomized clinical trial will be conducted. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: the control group will undergo a three-month exercise program, while the intervention group will receive an IVR program for the first month, followed by the same exercise program for the control group during second and third months. Clinical, clinimetric, and biomarker variables will be assessed at baseline and at follow-ups at 1, 2, and 3 months.

resultsThis study will shed light on the effectiveness of the combined program of immersive virtual reality with exercise and exercise program alone in chronic RCRSP patients. Measurements of clinical, clinimetric, and biomarker variables will help to explore how these interventions may influence this clinical population within a comprehensive perspective.

conclusionsThis study protocol outlines a novel approach to managing chronic rotator cuff-related shoulder pain by integrating IVR with exercise-based physiotherapy. The results will provide valuable insights into the additive effects of IVR on variables such as pain, function, psychosocial factors and biological markers, potentially informing future rehabilitation strategies and enhancing patient outcomes in musculoskeletal care.

Indexed as

Exercise TherapyRotator CuffRotator Cuff InjuriesShoulder PainVirtual RealityAdultBiomarkersFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedMulticenter Studies as TopicRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicSingle-Blind MethodTreatment OutcomeBiomarkers

Identifiers

PMID41592018
PMCPMC12843565

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.