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NCT Number: NCT07482371

Comparative Effects of Scooping Mobilization and Dynamic Cupping Therapy on Elbow Stiffness

The current study is a randomized clinical trial, data is collected from Alqamar Hospital Shakarghar. The study includes 28 patients equally divided into two groups and randomly allocated. Inclusion criteria for the study will be children of age group 6-13, children with diagonosis of post fracture stiff elbow minimal immobilized period of 3 weeks. Patients with any neurological impairment, children with MSK disorders, Infection or tumors will be excluded from the study. Experimental Scooping mobilization group will receive scooping mobilization combined with electrotherapy for 2 minutes per session 5 days a week. Experimental dynamic cupping group will receive dynamic cupping therapy combined with electrotherapy for 10 minutes per session 5 days a week. Total intervention period will be of 4 weeks. Data collection will be done before and after the intervention. Tools used for data collection will be Goniometer and Quick DASH Questionnaire. Data will be analyzed through SPSS version 27.00.

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Key information

Age range

6 year–13 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Model town

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Muhammad Asif Javed, MSPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

923224209422

About this study

Group A will receive scooping mobilization technique it focuses on gently mobilizing the joint through traction combined with a smooth, curved motion, improving the flexion-extension arc and promoting joint relaxation. Patient is positioned supine, lying with the elbow at the side of the table. In the primary procedure, the joint is held in a relaxed posture, and the client's hand rested on the therapist's shoulder. The physiotherapist will place the elbow at the limit of the range before stretching into flexion or extension. Force-directed as a distraction, it was initially applied by the physical therapist at an angle of 45° to the ulna, followed by a distal orientation along the longitudinal plane of the ulna while retaining the distraction force. the movement will be smooth and rhythmic, avoiding any sharp or jerky motions. Gradually increase the range within the patient's tolerance as the joint loosens. Duration period to perform the scooping motion is for 2 minutes per session 5 days a week for 4 weeks.

Group B will receive dynamic cupping therapy that involves using cups to create suction on the skin, which helps to promote blood flow, reduce inflammation, and relax muscles. Firstly, ensure that area is clean, assess elbow range of motion and pain levels choose the appropriate cup size for the elbow area apply a small amount of lubricant (e.g., silicone-based cream) to the area then place the cup on the skin, creating suction using a pump or manual technique. Gently move the cup in various directions (e.g., longitudinal, transverse, circular) to create shear forces. Focus on areas of tension or adhesions apply varying levels of suction to maintain comfort. Encourage active movement and make sure that patient move their elbow through range of motion while cupping. Duration period to perform the dynamic cupping is for 10 minutes per session 5 days a week for 4 weeks.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Children of age group 6-13
  • Children with diagnosis of post-fracture elbow stiffness.
  • Minimal immobilized period of 3 weeks
  • Children with age group of both genders

Exclusion criteria

  • Infection or tumers
  • Neurological impairment
  • Children with MSK disorders
  • Metabolic bone disease
  • Pathological fractures

Treatment and study plan

Scooping mobilization technique

Other

Group A will receive scooping mobilization technique it focuses on gently mobilizing the joint through traction combined with a smooth, curved motion, improving the flexion-extension arc and promoting joint relaxation. In the primary procedure, the joint is held in a relaxed posture, and the client's hand rested on the therapist's shoulder. The physiotherapist will place the elbow at the limit of the range before stretching into flexion or extension. Force-directed as a distraction, it was initially applied by the physical therapist at an angle of 45° to the ulna, followed by a distal orientation along the longitudinal plane of the ulna while retaining the distraction force. the movement will be smooth and rhythmic, avoiding any sharp or jerky motions. Gradually increase the range within the patient's tolerance as the joint loosens. Duration period to perform the scooping motion is for 2 minutes per session 5 days a week for 4 weeks.

Dynamic cupping therapy

Other

Group B will receive dynamic cupping therapy that involves using cups to create suction on the skin, which helps to promote blood flow, reduce inflammation, and relax muscles. Firstly, ensure that area is clean, assess elbow range of motion and pain levels choose the appropriate cup size for the elbow area apply a small amount of lubricant (e.g., silicone-based cream) to the area then place the cup on the skin, creating suction using a pump or manual technique. Gently move the cup in various directions (e.g., longitudinal, transverse, circular) to create shear forces. Focus on areas of tension or adhesions apply varying levels of suction to maintain comfort. Encourage active movement and make sure that patient move their elbow through range of motion while cupping. Duration period to perform the dynamic cupping is for 10 minutes per session 5 days a week for 4 weeks.

Primary outcomes

  1. Range of motion

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Goniometer for range of motion of the elbow joint like flexion, extention, pronation and supination will be evaluated pre and post treatment.

Secondary outcomes

  1. functional outcomes

    Time frame: 4 weeks

    Diaginostic tool quick DASH questionnaire is used to evaluate functional outcome to improve quality of life

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Imran Amjad, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

9233224390125

Muhammad Asif Javed, MS PT

CONTACT

[email protected]

923224209422

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Scooping Mobilization and Dynamic Cupping on Elbow Range of Motion and Function in Children With Elbow Stiffness

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 19, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 19, 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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