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NCT Number: NCT06927115

Comparative Analysis of Mulligan and Maitland Mobilizations Techniques in Adhesive Capsulitis

Mobilization techniques are widely used in physiotherapy to address the pain and stiffness associated with adhesive capsulitis. Two commonly employed approaches are Mulligan's mobilization and Maitland's mobilization, both of which aim to restore joint mobility and improve functional outcomes. However, the relative effectiveness of these techniques in improving disability and quality of life in patients with adhesive capsulitis has not been conclusively established. This study will help to find out the best mobilization option for adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder for all four stages of adhesive capsulitis.

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Key information

Conditions

Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder Bursitis Joint Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases

Age range

35 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Riphah international University Malakand Campus

Chakdara, KPK, 18800, Pakistan

About this study

Adhesive capsulitis is a condition characterized by pain, loss of both active and passive range motion of the shoulder joint in all planes especially abduction and external rotation. In general population the prevalence of adhesive capsulitis is 2-5% and its incidence is 2%.The prevalence of adhesive capsulitis in diabetic patient is 11- 30% while in non-diabetic is 2-10%.Adhesive capsulitis is more common in women aged between 40-60 years (12). Adhesive capsulitis is bilateral in 20-30 % of cases and the opponent shoulder become involved within five years Based on etiology Adhesive capsulitis is classified into primary or true frozen shoulder and secondary, in primary adhesive capsulitis there is global capsular inflammation without any known cause or pre-existing condition while secondary adhesive capsulitis is associated with any recognized systemic, intrinsic or extrinsic cause. The systemic causes of secondary adhesive capsulitis comprise thyroid diseases, diabetes mellitus and decreased level of adrenaline. The intrinsic cause of secondary adhesive capsulitis is rotator cuff disease andcalcification of tendon or tendonitis. The extrinsic causes of secondary adhesive capsulitis include breast surgery in women, post trauma, clavicle or humerus fracture and early history of cerebral vascular accident

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 35-50 years.
  • Diagnosed case of primary adhesive capsulitis.
  • Pain and limited range of motion in the affected shoulder. (External rotation>abduction>internal rotation)
  • Willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

  • Previous shoulder surgery.
  • Severe osteoporosis or fractures.
  • Neurological or rheumatological conditions.
  • Neck and cardiac surgery
  • History of recent fractures

Treatment and study plan

Maitland mobilization

Other

Provide maitland mobilization technique along with conventional exercises like Monkey bar, towel stretching, and codmen exercise to each subject.

Mulligan mobilization

Other

Provide mulligan mobilization technique along with conventional exercises like Monkey bar, towel stretching, and codmen exercise to each subject.

Primary outcomes

  1. NPRS

    Time frame: six weeks

    The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is a 0 to 10 self-reported scale used to assess pain intensity, where 0 = no pain and 10 = worst possible pain. It is a simple, reliable tool commonly used in clinical trials to measure pain levels before and after interventions.

  2. Goniometer

    Time frame: Six weeks

    A goniometer is a standardized tool used to measure shoulder range of motion (ROM) in degrees. It consists of a protractor with two arms, one stationary and one movable, to assess joint angles during movement.

  3. SPADI

    Time frame: Six weeks

    The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess pain and functional disability in individuals with shoulder conditions. It consists of 13 items divided into two subscales: pain (5 items) and disability (8 items), scored on a 0-100 scale, with higher scores indicating greater impairment

  4. SF- 36 Scale

    Time frame: Six weeks

    The Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey is a validated questionnaire used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) across eight domains, including physical functioning, pain, and general health. It generates physical and mental health summary scores on a 0-100 scale, with higher scores indicating better well-being.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Analysis of Mulligan and Maitland Mobilizations Techniques on Disability and Quality of Life in Adhesive Capsulitis

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 15, 2025
Registry last updated
Feb 18, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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