The ELEVATE study: shoulder research trial at Evidence-Based Therapy Centre
PhD candidate, MSc, BSc (Hons), BA, MISCP
Shoulder Research at EBTC
As part of his PhD studies, our co-founder and physiotherapist specialising in shoulder rehabilitation - Eoin Ó Conaire - has been carrying out a research project. The topic is massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. This is a very disabling shoulder problem where two or more tendons of the rotator cuff are torn and cannot be repaired surgically. Often patients are unable to lift their affected arm above the level of the shoulder. This hugely impacts everyday function and quality of life. You can read more about massive irreparable rotator cuff tears here.
What is the ELEVATE programme?
As part of this project, Eoin has published two papers so far. In the first paper, he and his co-authors reviewed the research literature regarding physiotherapy for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. One of the things they found is that the success rate of physiotherapy with this patient group is very variable with anything between 36% and 96% of patients having a successful outcome. They also found that there was a lack of consensus on what is the best physiotherapy programme. In the second paper, Eoin and his co-authors conducted a Delphi consensus study. They surveyed 88 shoulder experts (shoulder surgeons and physiotherapy shoulder specialists) from 25 different countries and through a series of rounds established expert consensus on which factors are important in predicting a successful or unsuccessful outcome from physiotherapy. Based on the results of this study, Eoin and his team have designed a new physiotherapy programme which specifically targets these important factors. This programme is called the ELEVATE programme.
The ELEVATE programme uses the very best elements of previously tested physiotherapy programmes but places a stronger emphasis on tailoring exercises to suit the needs of each individual so as to help them get back to their valued activities. For example if someone said that they were unable to lift their grandchildren or play tennis or brush their hair, then a bespoke programme would be created to get back to these specific activities. The ELEVATE programme also focuses on helping patients to fully understand their condition and how it can be treated and motivating them to carry out the exercises.
The ELEVATE programme is a 14 week programme (consisting of approximately seven 30 min appointments) with an expectation that you will carry out exercises at home. As part of the research study, prior to starting the programme, there will be one 60 min assessment session and two more measurement sessions of 30 mins each. Finally after the programme has been completed, there will be another 60 min assessment session to evaluate your progress. If you are accepted onto the research trial, all treatment is free of charge.
What is the ELEVATE study?
The ELEVATE study is a research study to evaluate the effectiveness of the physiotherapy programme for people with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.
What should I do if I am interested in taking part?
If you are interested in taking part in the study, then we would love to hear from you. However the study is only open to those with a known diagnosis of massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. This diagnosis is made with MRI scan that shows that at least two of the tendons of the rotator cuff are torn. If you think that you are eligible then you can contact Evidence-Based Therapy Centre on 091 727777 or email admin@ebtc.ie
If you are eligible to be included in the study then we will give you all of the details and information you need to make an informed decision on whether this is right for you.