MedTrace Logo

The Combined Effect of Mulligan Technique and Scapular Mobilization in Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis

NCT07356947 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 38

Last updated 2026-01-28

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The shoulder joint capsule is a fibrous sheath that encloses and stabilizes the structures of the shoulder joint, extending from the anatomical neck of the humerus to the rim of the glenoid fossa. It is normally lax, allowing a wide range of motion. Shoulder adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain and restricted movement due to thickening and contraction of this capsule. Proper coordination between the scapula and humerus-known as the scapulohumeral rhythm-is essential for normal shoulder motion. Disruption of this rhythm contributes to movement limitation and pain in adhesive capsulitis.

This randomized, single-blind clinical trial aims to investigate the combined effect of the Mulligan technique and scapular mobilization on improving shoulder range of motion, pain, disability, and scapulohumeral rhythm in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Thirty-eight participants aged 30 to 60 years, diagnosed with unilateral adhesive capsulitis, will be randomly assigned to two groups. Group A will receive Mulligan mobilization techniques for shoulder elevation, internal and external rotation, along with scapular mobilization. Group B will receive conventional physical therapy consisting of hot packs, ultrasound, stretching, and range-of-motion exercises. Both groups will undergo treatment three times per week for four weeks.

Primary outcomes include changes in shoulder range of motion (measured using a digital goniometer), pain and disability (measured by the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index \[SPADI\]), and scapulohumeral rhythm (assessed using tape measurement). The study is expected to provide clinical evidence on whether combining Mulligan and scapular mobilization techniques yields superior functional recovery compared with conventional physiotherapy alone in patients with shoulder adhesive capsulitis.

Conditions

  • Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Shoulder Pain and Stiffness

Interventions

OTHER

Mulligan Technique with Scapular Mobilization

Participants in this group will receive the Mulligan mobilization technique for shoulder elevation, internal rotation, and external rotation combined with scapular mobilization. Each session will include three sets of ten repetitions with a two-minute rest between sets. Treatment sessions will be conducted three times per week for four weeks. The intervention aims to improve shoulder joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance scapulohumeral rhythm.

OTHER

Conventional Physiotherapy

Standard physiotherapy including hot packs, ultrasound, posterior capsule stretching, and active/assisted range-of-motion exercises. Three sessions per week for four weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Deraya University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
30 Years
Max Age
60 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-02-28
Primary Completion
2027-07-31
Completion
2027-08-31

Countries

  • Egypt

Study Locations

More Related Trials

Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07356947 on ClinicalTrials.gov