Randomised evaluation of rehabilitation after acute proximal humerus (shoulder) fracture: the REACH study

Randomised evaluation of rehabilitation after acute proximal humerus fracture (REACH): a multi-centre, non-inferiority, randomised trial to compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a self-directed rehabilitation programme versus physiotherapist-supervised rehabilitation (usual care) for adults with a proximal humerus fracture

Status

Recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN11914287

Enrollment

1214

Registered

2024-10-08

Start date

2024-12-12

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-01-05

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Proximal humerus fracture Musculoskeletal Diseases

Interventions

Participants will be randomised by the local research team using a web-based service. The randomisation will be on a 1:1 basis to one of the following groups: Self-directed rehabilitation (provision

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Age

16 Years to 100 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Aged 16 years or over 2. Diagnosis of a proximal humerus fracture which is to be managed non-surgically

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Patient has a concurrent neurological injury leading to a significant deficit in the affected arm 2. More than 21 days have elapsed since the fracture 3. Patient has other upper limb injury which may reasonably be expected to impact shoulder rehabilitation and affect responses to patient-reported outcome measures 4. Patient is unable to adhere to the trial procedures.

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Patient-reported shoulder-related pain and function measured by the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at 6 months post-randomisation	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
1. Patient-reported shoulder-related pain and function measured by the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at 2 and 4 months post-randomisation 2. Upper extremity physical function is measured using the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (Upper Extremity) at 2, 4 and 6 months post-randomisation 3. Health-related quality of life is measured using EuroQol 5 Dimensions EQ 5D-5L at 2, 4 and 6 months post-randomisation 4. Self-efficacy to exercise is measured using Self-Efficacy to Exercise Scale (SEE) at 2, 4 and 6 months post-randomisation 5. Resource use is measured by self-reported bespoke questionnaire at 2, 4 and 6 months post-randomisation 6. Rates of complications are measured using a bespoke participant questionnaire and site-completed Case Report Forms up to 6 months	—

Measure

Time frame

1. Patient-reported shoulder-related pain and function measured by the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at 2 and 4 months post-randomisation 2. Upper extremity physical function is measured using the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (Upper Extremity) at 2, 4 and 6 months post-randomisation 3. Health-related quality of life is measured using EuroQol 5 Dimensions EQ 5D-5L at 2, 4 and 6 months post-randomisation 4. Self-efficacy to exercise is measured using Self-Efficacy to Exercise Scale (SEE) at 2, 4 and 6 months post-randomisation 5. Resource use is measured by self-reported bespoke questionnaire at 2, 4 and 6 months post-randomisation 6. Rates of complications are measured using a bespoke participant questionnaire and site-completed Case Report Forms up to 6 months

—

Countries

England, Scotland, United Kingdom, Wales

Contacts

Public ContactKylea Draper

reach@ndorms.ox.ac.uk+44 (0)1865 223126

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026