Physical Therapy for Shoulder Arthritis

(GOAT Trial)

Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: State University of New York at Buffalo
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Arthritis of the shoulder glenohumeral joint is a growing problem in an aging population. Treatment options for glenohumeral arthritis can be grouped into three main categories: 1) shoulder replacement surgery, 2) injections (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid and PRP) and physical therapy (PT). Surgery comes with risks and the potential for implant failure or revision over time. Therefore, it is typical for doctors to prescribe injections and/or PT before discussing surgery. Sometimes, insurance companies will require PT before considering a shoulder operation. It is unknown if PT is effective for improving function or pain with patients with glenohumeral arthritis. The aim of this study is to compare pain and functional outcomes after undergoing a 12 week PT program, at home PT exercises or delaying conservative treatment.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people with shoulder arthritis (specifically in the glenohumeral joint) who have not yet had surgery. Participants should be able to do physical therapy and follow instructions for home exercises.

Inclusion Criteria

Patient provided written informed consent for study participation with IRB approved consent form
Patient is willing and able to comply with scheduled clinical and radiographic evaluations and physical therapy regimen
I am over 18 years old.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Live in a nursing home
Have dementia
Pregnant women and prisoners
See 8 more

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Home physical therapy
  • Physical therapy

Trial Overview

The study compares three approaches: supervised physical therapy, a program of home-based PT exercises, and delaying non-surgical treatment. The goal is to see which method best improves pain and function over 12 weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

3

Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Physical TherapyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Home TherapyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group III: Control GroupActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

State University of New York at Buffalo

Lead Sponsor

Trials
279
Recruited
52,600+