RecruitingInterventional

SPRING study: a study to design and evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of the SPRING prehabilitation and early rehabilitation interventions for people undergoing shoulder replacement surgery compared to NHS usual care

The SPRING study is looking for ways to better support people having shoulder replacement surgery in the UK. Currently, the amount of support people get before and after surgery can vary a lot, leaving some feeling unprepared or worried about moving their new shoulder. This project is developing and testing two new support programs: one to prepare people before surgery (prehabilitation) and another to help them recover afterwards (rehabilitation). Researchers want to see if these new, personalised support packages help people manage their recovery better than the standard care usually offered by the NHS. They are working with patients and healthcare professionals to create these programs and will test them with 390 volunteers.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Cardiff University

Enrolment target

390

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

30 Oct 2027

Self management after shoulder replacement

What is this study about?

When you have shoulder replacement surgery, the support you receive can be different depending on where you are in the UK. Sometimes, people might not feel fully prepared for their operation or worried about moving their shoulder afterwards. The SPRING study wants to improve this experience by creating new support plans that help people feel more confident and able to manage their recovery.

Imagine having a guide to help you before your surgery, getting you ready for what's to come. And then, another guide to support you as you recover. That's what this study is all about. Researchers are developing two special support packages: one for *before* surgery (called 'prehabilitation') and one for *after* surgery (called 'rehabilitation'). These packages are designed to give you more personalised help and information, making you feel more in control of your journey.

The main goal is to find out if these new support packages work better than the usual care you'd get from the NHS. If they do, they could lead to better experiences and recoveries for many people having shoulder replacement surgery in the future. The study team will be comparing people who get the new support with those who receive standard NHS care, to see which approach helps more.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve support for shoulder replacement patients.
Tests new support packages before and after surgery.
Compares new support to usual NHS care.
Involves answering questionnaires over 12 months.
May help future patients, but no guaranteed direct benefit to you.
Participation is voluntary; you can withdraw anytime.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in the main study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and preparing to have your first total shoulder replacement. This surgery should be because of common conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, but not for cancer, a broken bone, or if you're having a replacement for a second time.

It's important that you can understand English or have someone who can help translate for you. This ensures you can fully understand the study information and participate in questionnaires and support sessions.

Healthcare professionals who work with shoulder replacement patients are also invited to help design the support packages, but the main part of the study for patients focuses on those having the surgery.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having your first total shoulder replacement?
Is your surgery due to conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis?
Can you understand and communicate in English (or have someone to help you)?
Is your surgery *not* for cancer, a broken bone, or a second replacement?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, we'll first ask you to sign a consent form, which means you understand what's involved and agree to take part. Then, you'll fill out some questionnaires about your shoulder pain, how you manage daily tasks, and your overall quality of life. This helps us understand how you're doing at the start.

After this, a computer will randomly place you into one of four groups. Before your surgery, you'll either receive the usual care from the NHS, or the new SPRING pre-surgery support package. Then, around the time of your surgery, you'll be randomly assigned again to either receive usual NHS care for your recovery or the new SPRING post-surgery support package. This means you might get the new support before, after, both, or neither, all by chance.

You'll be asked to complete the same questionnaires again at several points: about 3 months after you first joined, then 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after your shoulder surgery. Some people might also be invited for a chat with a researcher to share their experiences of the support they received, whether it was the new SPRING package or standard NHS care.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part might not directly benefit you, as we don't yet know if these new support packages are better than standard care. However, your involvement could help improve future care for many other people having shoulder replacement surgery. There's a small chance you might find some questions or discussions a bit sensitive or challenging. Also, if you do some exercises as part of the new support, there's a very slight chance you might feel a bit more pain or discomfort. Remember, you are free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and your medical care will not be affected.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'prehabilitation'?

Prehabilitation means getting support and advice *before* your surgery to help you prepare your body and mind for the operation and recovery.

Will I definitely get the new support packages?

Not necessarily. Because it's a study, you'll be randomly assigned by computer to get either the new support or usual NHS care, before and after your surgery.

How long will I be involved in the study?

From when you first join until about 12 months after your shoulder surgery, including filling out questionnaires at different times during this period.

What if I feel uncomfortable during the study?

You are free to stop participating at any time, without needing to give a reason, and this won't affect your medical care.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), which is a UK government organisation that funds health research.

How to find out more

Gwenllian Moody

moodyg@cardiff.ac.uk +44 2920687257 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.