Actively Recruiting
Additional Effects of Thoracic Spine Mobilization Combined With Glenohumeral Joint Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Adhesive Capsulitis
Led by Foundation University Islamabad · Updated on 2026-01-09
34
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Adhesive capsulitis is a debilitating shoulder condition characterized by pain, restricted range of motion (ROM), and significant functional limitations. Conventional treatment primarily targets the glenohumeral joint, often neglecting the role of regional interdependence, particularly the thoracic spine's influence on shoulder mobility. Emerging evidence suggests that thoracic spine mobility plays a crucial role in optimizing shoulder mechanics, yet its therapeutic application in adhesive capsulitis remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the additional effects of thoracic spine mobilization combined with glenohumeral joint mobilization, providing a more comprehensive rehabilitation approach to enhance pain relief, ROM, and functional outcomes. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted over one year at the Rehabilitation Department of Fauji Foundation Hospital (FFH) after obtaining ethical approval. Participants diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis will be selected through non-probability purposive sampling based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving thoracic spine mobilization alongside glenohumeral joint mobilization or the control group receiving glenohumeral joint mobilization alone. Randomization will be conducted using the coin toss method and block randomization to ensure balanced subject distribution. Outcome measures include the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain assessment, the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) for functional disability evaluation, and a goniometer for ROM measurement. Baseline and post-treatment scores will be statistically analyzed using SPSS to determine intervention effectiveness. By integrating thoracic spine mobilization into standard treatment, this study seeks to refine clinical rehabilitation protocols, improve functional recovery, and enhance patient outcomes. Findings may contribute to evidence-based practice, supporting the inclusion of thoracic spine mobilization in treatment guidelines for adhesive capsulitis.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Additional Effects of Thoracic Spine Mobilization Combined With Glenohumeral Joint Mobilization on Pain, Range of Motion, and Functional Disability in Adhesive Capsulitis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male or female patients with unilateral or bilateral shoulder pain
- Shoulder pain lasting at least 3 to 4 months
- Decreased shoulder range of motion including external rotation, abduction, internal rotation, and flexion
- Age between 40 and 65 years
- Diagnosed with stage 2 or 3 adhesive capsulitis
You will not qualify if you...
- Shoulder pain caused by systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, infection, or tumors
- Presence of myelopathy indicated by Hoffman's sign
- Recent shoulder joint fracture or trauma
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (positive Roos test)
- Cervical radiculopathy (positive Spurling's test)
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 46000
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
L
Laiba Malik, DPT
CONTACT
M
Marwa Asim, MS-OMPT
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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