Revisualising the Frozen Shoulder Pathway with Motion Capture V2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Revisualising the Frozen Shoulder Pathway with Motion Capture (MoCap) Technology in the Community: A Proof-of-Concept Study
IRAS ID
323841
Contact name
Niel Kang
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
There are large numbers of patients currently waiting to be seen for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, placing significant strain on the NHS and increasing the risk of patients coming to harm. One such condition is frozen shoulder, which causes pain and severe stiffness lasting months or even years. Unfortunately, it is not always diagnosed correctly or early enough, and patients often undergo unnecessary investigations such as MRI or CT. Even after diagnosis, it can be difficult for healthcare professionals to know which patients are improving and which need further treatment.
This 12-month study will assess whether movement analysis clinics based in the community could help address these challenges by providing a more objective way to monitor shoulder function and support clinical decision-making.
We will invite people who are currently under the care of their GP or physiotherapist for suspected frozen shoulder. Participants will attend up to three appointments at the Cambridge Clinical Movement Laboratory, located in a community health setting. At each visit, their shoulder movement will be measured using motion capture technology (similar to systems used in film production), video recordings,
and diagnostic ultrasound imaging to assess shoulder structures.Participants will also complete a questionnaire and take part in a short interview about their experience. Their healthcare team will be asked to comment on the usefulness of the scan reports in managing care.
This proof-of-concept study will provide valuable evidence about the feasibility, acceptability, and clinical value of using motion capture and ultrasound for frozen shoulder assessment. It will also inform the design of a larger randomised controlled trial and assess whether this approach could help streamline referral pathways, reduce delays, and better target care for patients with shoulder pain.
In addition to the pathological patient group, we will also be recruiting a typically functioning group to use as normative (healthy) patient data for reference.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/PR/0109
Date of REC Opinion
23 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion