Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT06910332

The Effect of Shoulder Mobilization on Muscle Strength and Proprioception: a Randomized Double-blind Study

This randomized, double-blind study examines the acute effects of shoulder mobilization on muscle strength and proprioception in healthy individuals. Forty-eight participants (aged 18-25) were randomly assigned to either a mobilization or sham intervention group. Muscle strength and proprioception were assessed before and after treatment. The mobilization group received passive shoulder joint glides, while the sham group underwent a placebo procedure. The study aims to determine whether mobilization affects strength and proprioception immediately.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Healthy Male and Female Subjects

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Acıbadem University Kerem Aydınlar Campus

Ataşehir, Istanbul, 34752, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Summary of the Study

This randomized, double-blind study investigates the acute effects of shoulder joint mobilization on muscle strength and proprioception in healthy individuals compared to a sham intervention.

Background:

The shoulder joint is highly mobile and prone to injury, with rehabilitation often including manual therapy techniques like joint mobilization. Mobilization may enhance joint stability, neuromuscular control, and proprioception by stimulating mechanoreceptors. However, its immediate effects on shoulder proprioception and strength remain unclear.

Methods:

Participants: 48 healthy university students (aged 18-25) randomly assigned to either the mobilization or sham group.

Assessments: Muscle strength (using a handheld dynamometer) and proprioception (laser pointer-assisted joint position reproduction test) were measured before and after the intervention.

Intervention: The mobilization group received passive shoulder joint glides, while the sham group underwent a placebo procedure without actual joint movement.

Conclusion:

This study aims to determine whether shoulder mobilization has immediate effects on proprioception and strength.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy university students aged 18-25 years.

Exclusion criteria

  • Individuals with orthopedic problems in the shoulder complex.
  • Those who have undergone previous shoulder surgery.
  • Participants with prior knowledge of joint mobilization techniques that could affect the sham intervention.

Treatment and study plan

Joint Mobilization

Other

Participants receive passive shoulder joint mobilization on the dominant-side glenohumeral joint. The mobilization includes inferior, anterior, and posterior glide techniques, each performed for 1 minute at a frequency of 0.5 Hz, with a 30-second rest between each mobilization. The participant is positioned comfortably to support the joint's range of motion.

Other names: Shoulder joint mobilization, Shoulder joint glides

SHAM

Other

In the sham intervention, the practitioner mimics the technique of shoulder mobilization but does not apply any actual movement or glide effect on the joint. The procedure is designed to closely resemble the real intervention in terms of duration, rhythm, and the practitioner's handling of the participant's shoulder. The practitioner will use superficial touch on the glenohumeral joint without applying any of the mobilizing forces necessary to move the joint.

Other names: Sham mobilization, Sham shoulder mobilization

Primary outcomes

  1. Proprioception

    Time frame: Before the intervention

    Laser pointer-assisted joint position reproduction test for shoulder:

    A laser pointer is strapped 5 cm above the lateral epicondyle. Participants actively move their arm to a predefined position (90° flexion or abduction), and the laser projection is marked.

    After lowering their arm and closing their eyes, they attempt to replicate the same position.

    The difference between the initial and reproduced positions (in millimeters) is measured

  2. Proprioception

    Time frame: Immediately after intervention

    Laser pointer-assisted joint position reproduction test for shoulder:

    A laser pointer is strapped 5 cm above the lateral epicondyle. Participants actively move their arm to a predefined position (90° flexion or abduction), and the laser projection is marked.

    After lowering their arm and closing their eyes, they attempt to replicate the same position.

    The difference between the initial and reproduced positions (in millimeters) is measured

Secondary outcomes

  1. Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Before the intervention

    Hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette) Muscle strength will be measured using a hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette). The assessment will focus on the shoulder flexors, abductors, internal rotators, and external rotators. Three measurements for each muscle group will be taken, and the average value will be recorded in kilograms (kg).

  2. Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Immediately after intervention

    Hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette) Muscle strength will be measured using a hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette). The assessment will focus on the shoulder flexors, abductors, internal rotators, and external rotators. Three measurements for each muscle group will be taken, and the average value will be recorded in kilograms (kg).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Acibadem University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Apr 4, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 9, 2025

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.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.