Will I be withdrawn from the study if I do not have my assigned treatment?
No, we will continue to follow you as planned even if you switch treatment groups or do not pursue treatment at all.
Whom should I contact if I have a question about the study or no longer want to be part of the study?
Please contact the ARC Trial research team at Vanderbilt: [email protected] / (629) 777-8022.
How will I know the results of the study?
A summary of the study results will be made available on our website: www.shoulderstudy.org. Information about the trial can also be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
Do these additional treatments need to be reported?
Yes. There will be questions that ask about these treatments on each follow up questionnaire.
Can I pursue other treatments in conjunction with my assigned treatment?
Yes, other nonsurgical treatments, such as cortisone injections, pain medications, acupuncture, etc., can be utilized while undergoing your assigned treatment for the study.
Can I complete my study questionnaires electronically?
Yes, you can choose whether you prefer to complete your questionnaires on paper or electronically (via computer or tablet). If you choose to complete them electronically, a unique link to your questionnaire will be sent to you via email at each follow up.
Is there a way to complete my Physical Therapy Diary electronically?
Yes, there is a special MyCap app that will allow you to complete your Physical Therapy Diary using your smartphone. Our research staff will help you install and set up this app before you leave the clinic. The MyCap app is currently available for both iPhones and Androids.
Where can I get another copy of the physical therapy home exercise program booklet or physical therapy diary, if I lose mine?
Copies of these documents can be found on our website in the patient section for the ARC Trial (www. shoulderstudy.org/studies/arc-trial/participants/).
How long to I need to keep track of my physical therapy visits and home exercises?
Complete your diary each day any time that you are attending formal physical therapy for your enrolled shoulder during the first year of the study. This means you should complete the diary daily for each course of shoulder PT - from the first physical therapy visit until the last - even if you switch treatment [...]
How often will I need to do exercises at home?
You should perform home exercises 2-4 times a week, as instructed by your physical therapist. Your home exercise program should take approximately 30 minutes a day to complete.