Adhesive Capsulitis of ShoulderNCT06927115
Comparative Analysis of Mulligan and Maitland Mobilizations Techniques in Adhesive Capsulitis
A study testing Maitland Mobilization and Mulligan Mobilization in people with Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 35 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder
- What is being tested?
- Maitland Mobilization and Mulligan Mobilization
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Apr 2025to 10 Jan 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 35 to 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- Previous shoulder surgery.
- Severe osteoporosis or fractures.
- Neurological or rheumatological conditions.
- Neck and cardiac surgery
- History of recent fractures
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Riphah international University Malakand Campus
Chakdara, KPK, 18800
About this study
Official title: Comparative Analysis of Mulligan and Maitland Mobilizations Techniques on Disability and Quality of Life 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.
Read the detailed description
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
- Conditions
- Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder
- Being tested
- Maitland Mobilization, Mulligan Mobilization
- Keywords
- Adhesive capsulitis, Shoulder joint mobility, Shoulder stiffness
- Medical subject headings
- Bursitis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Maitland MobilizationOther
Provide maitland mobilization technique along with conventional exercises like Monkey bar, towel stretching, and codmen exercise to each subject.
Mulligan MobilizationOther
Provide mulligan mobilization technique along with conventional exercises like Monkey bar, towel stretching, and codmen exercise to each subject.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Maitland Mobilization | Experimental | This group will be treated with Maitland mobilization with 30 repetition and 3 set in each repetition 3 time a week for 4 weeks along with conventional exercises like Monkey bar, towel stretching, and codmen exercise. Receives: Other: Maitland Mobilization |
| Mulligan Mobilization | Experimental | This group will be treated with Maitland mobilization of the shoulder joint with 30 repetition and 3 set in each repetition 3 time a week for 4 weeks along with conventional exercises like Monkey bar, towel stretching, and codmen exercise. Receives: Other: Mulligan Mobilization |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
NPRS
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.
Measured: six weeks
Goniometer
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.
Measured: Six weeks
SPADI
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
Measured: Six weeks
SF- 36 Scale
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.
Measured: Six weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Apr 2025
- Study start15 Apr 2025
- Primary completion30 Dec 2025
- Study completion10 Jan 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Adhesive Capsulitis of ShoulderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Zavata Afnan, MS NMPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06927115
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC-01005 Rafi Ullah
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 7 Apr 2025
- Last updated
- 18 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Analysis of Mulligan and Maitland Mobilizations Techniques on Disability and Quality of Life in Adhesive Capsulitis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06927115
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC-01005 Rafi Ullah
- Conditions
- Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder
- Keywords
- Adhesive capsulitis, Shoulder joint mobility, Shoulder stiffness
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Jan 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed description
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
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Maitland Mobilization | Experimental | Other: Maitland MobilizationThis group will be treated with Maitland mobilization with 30 repetition and 3 set in each repetition 3 time a week for 4 weeks along with conventional exercises like Monkey bar, towel stretching, and codmen exercise. |
| Mulligan Mobilization | Experimental | Other: Mulligan MobilizationThis group will be treated with Maitland mobilization of the shoulder joint with 30 repetition and 3 set in each repetition 3 time a week for 4 weeks along with conventional exercises like Monkey bar, towel stretching, and codmen exercise. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 35 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Previous shoulder surgery.
- Severe osteoporosis or fractures.
- Neurological or rheumatological conditions.
- Neck and cardiac surgery
- History of recent fractures
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Maitland MobilizationProvide maitland mobilization technique along with conventional exercises like Monkey bar, towel stretching, and codmen exercise to each subject. | Other | Maitland Mobilization |
| Mulligan MobilizationProvide mulligan mobilization technique along with conventional exercises like Monkey bar, towel stretching, and codmen exercise to each subject. | Other | Mulligan Mobilization |
Primary outcome
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.
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.
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
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.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder
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Effects of Clinic Versus mHealth Application-Based Shoulder Rehabilitation in Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis
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Effects of Injection Combined With Spencer Technique on Painful Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder
Not yet recruiting
Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Physiotherapy Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women With Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder, Adhesive Capsulitis
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Posterior Capsular Stretching With and Without Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises in Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder
Active, not recruiting
Spencer vs. Ola Grimsby Techniques With Scapular Motor Training in Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis
Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Zavata Afnan, MS NMPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Maitland Mobilization and Mulligan Mobilization in people with Adhesive Capsulitis of Shoulder, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
NPRS (time frame: six weeks). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Feb 2026.