Frozen ShoulderNCT07161622
Comparing Low-Level Laser and Muscle Energy Techniques in Diabetic Frozen Shoulder
A study testing Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in people with Frozen Shoulder, run by University of Lahore.
Trial summary
The current study is to evaluate the comparative effects of low-level laser therapy and muscle energy technique on pain, range of motion, and functional results in diabetic patients with frozen shoulder. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Frozen Shoulder
- What is being tested?
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Oct 2025to Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Eligible participants were male and female individuals aged 18 to 65 years with a verified diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and clinical manifestations of frozen shoulder for at least three months. The diagnosis was determined by limited glenohumeral joint mobility, characterised by a decrease of ≥20° in a minimum of three active movements: flexion \<144°, abduction \<120°, and external rotation \<72°. Cases of both unilateral and bilateral nature were incorporated.
Who cannot join
- The exclusion criteria included a history of traumatic shoulder injury or prior surgery; neurological involvement, such as brachial plexus injury or cervical radiculopathy; rotator cuff tears or other ligamentous pathologies; tumours or malignancies affecting the shoulder; and corticosteroid injection within the preceding three months
About this study
Official title: Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy Versus Muscle Energy Techniques Among Diabetic Patients With Frozen Shoulder
The current study is to evaluate the comparative effects of low-level laser therapy and muscle energy technique on pain, range of motion, and functional results in diabetic patients with frozen shoulder. This research aims to enhance the existing data on managing diabetes-related musculoskeletal issues by assessing the comparative advantages of various therapies, therefore assisting physicians in choosing appropriate, patient-centred rehabilitation procedures.
- Conditions
- Frozen Shoulder
- Being tested
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
- Keywords
- Frozen shoulder, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Muscle Energy Technique,, Range of Motion, Diabetes
- Medical subject headings
- Bursitis, Diabetes Mellitus
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)Other
Participants received LLLT using a gallium-aluminium-arsenide (Ga-Al-As) diode laser device (BTL-5000, UK). The laser operated at a wavelength of 830 nm and a power output of 100 mW. Irradiation was applied at three sites (anterior capsule, posterior capsule, subacromial area) using a stationary-contact technique for 60-90 seconds each, delivering 4 J/cm² per site. Sessions were administered three times weekly for eight weeks.
Conventional Therapy (for both groups):
15 minutes of moist heat (Chattanooga Hydrocollator)
Pendulum exercises
Passive and active-assisted ROM exercises
Isometric strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
Postural correction training
Muscle Energy Technique (MET)Other
Participants received MET for major shoulder muscles (internal/external rotators, flexors, extensors). Each contraction was performed at ~20% of maximum effort, sustained for 10 seconds, followed by 5 seconds relaxation, and then passive stretch to new end range. Three to five cycles per muscle group were performed. Sessions lasted ~20 minutes, three times weekly for eight weeks.
Conventional Therapy (same as Arm A):
15 minutes of moist heat
Pendulum exercises
Passive and active-assisted ROM exercises
Isometric strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
Postural correction training
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) + Conventional Therapy | Experimental | Participants received LLLT with a Ga-Al-As diode laser (830 nm, 100 mW) applied to anterior capsule, posterior capsule, and subacromial area (4 J/cm² per site, 60-90 sec each), three times per week for 8 weeks. Along with LLLT, all participants received conventional therapy (moist heat, pendulum exercises, passive/active-assisted ROM, isometric strengthening, and postural correction training). Receives: Other: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT); Other: Muscle Energy Technique (MET) |
| Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Conventional Therapy | Experimental | Participants received MET for shoulder muscle groups (internal/external rotators, flexors, extensors). Each contraction was ~20% effort, held for 10 sec, followed by 5 sec relaxation and passive stretch to a new end range. Three to five cycles per group, ~20 minutes/session, three times per week for 8 weeks. Along with MET, all participants received the same conventional therapy as Arm A. Receives: Other: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT); Other: Muscle Energy Technique (MET) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Shoulder function
Measured using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, a validated patient-reported outcome measure assessing disability and symptoms related to upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Higher scores indicate greater disability.
Measured: Baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after intervention initiation.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Sep 2025
- Study startOct 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completionFeb 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionFeb 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Frozen ShoulderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of LahoreThe 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Lahore
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Aqsa Majeed, University of Lahore
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07161622
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Zunaira
- Status last verified
- Sep 2025
- First submitted
- 5 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 18 Sep 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- Yes
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Sep 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Low Level Laser Therapy Versus Muscle Energy Techniques Among Diabetic Patients With Frozen Shoulder
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07161622
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Zunaira
- Conditions
- Frozen Shoulder
- Keywords
- Frozen shoulder, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Muscle Energy Technique,, Range of Motion, Diabetes
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of LahoreUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Oct 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Feb 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 8 Sep 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.
The current study is to evaluate the comparative effects of low-level laser therapy and muscle energy technique on pain, range of motion, and functional results in diabetic patients with frozen shoulder. This research aims to enhance the existing data on managing diabetes-related musculoskeletal issues by assessing the comparative advantages of various therapies, therefore assisting physicians in choosing appropriate, patient-centred rehabilitation procedures.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) + Conventional Therapy | Experimental | Other: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Other: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)Participants received LLLT with a Ga-Al-As diode laser (830 nm, 100 mW) applied to anterior capsule, posterior capsule, and subacromial area (4 J/cm² per site, 60-90 sec each), three times per week for 8 weeks. Along with LLLT, all participants received conventional therapy (moist heat, pendulum exercises, passive/active-assisted ROM, isometric strengthening, and postural correction training). |
| Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Conventional Therapy | Experimental | Other: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), Other: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)Participants received MET for shoulder muscle groups (internal/external rotators, flexors, extensors). Each contraction was ~20% effort, held for 10 sec, followed by 5 sec relaxation and passive stretch to a new end range. Three to five cycles per group, ~20 minutes/session, three times per week for 8 weeks. Along with MET, all participants received the same conventional therapy as Arm A. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Eligible participants were male and female individuals aged 18 to 65 years with a verified diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and clinical manifestations of frozen shoulder for at least three months. The diagnosis was determined by limited glenohumeral joint mobility, characterised by a decrease of ≥20° in a minimum of three active movements: flexion \<144°, abduction \<120°, and external rotation \<72°. Cases of both unilateral and bilateral nature were incorporated.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- The exclusion criteria included a history of traumatic shoulder injury or prior surgery; neurological involvement, such as brachial plexus injury or cervical radiculopathy; rotator cuff tears or other ligamentous pathologies; tumours or malignancies affecting the shoulder; and corticosteroid injection within the preceding three months
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)Participants received LLLT using a gallium-aluminium-arsenide (Ga-Al-As) diode laser device (BTL-5000, UK). The laser operated at a wavelength of 830 nm and a power output of 100 mW. Irradiation was applied at three sites (anterior capsule, posterior capsule, subacromial area) using a stationary-contact technique for 60-90 seconds each, delivering 4 J/cm² per site. Sessions were administered three times weekly for eight weeks. Conventional Therapy (for both groups): 15 minutes of moist heat (Chattanooga Hydrocollator) Pendulum exercises Passive and active-assisted ROM exercises Isometric strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers Postural correction training | Other | Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) + Conventional Therapy, Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Conventional Therapy |
| Muscle Energy Technique (MET)Participants received MET for major shoulder muscles (internal/external rotators, flexors, extensors). Each contraction was performed at ~20% of maximum effort, sustained for 10 seconds, followed by 5 seconds relaxation, and then passive stretch to new end range. Three to five cycles per muscle group were performed. Sessions lasted ~20 minutes, three times weekly for eight weeks. Conventional Therapy (same as Arm A): 15 minutes of moist heat Pendulum exercises Passive and active-assisted ROM exercises Isometric strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers Postural correction training | Other | Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) + Conventional Therapy, Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Conventional Therapy |
Primary outcome
Shoulder function
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after intervention initiation.
Measured using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, a validated patient-reported outcome measure assessing disability and symptoms related to upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Higher scores indicate greater disability.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Sep 2025.
Related trials for Frozen Shoulder
Not yet recruiting
Effect of Hormone Replacement Therapy on Physiotherapy Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women With Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder, Adhesive Capsulitis
Active, not recruiting
Effects of Injection Combined With Spencer Technique on Painful Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Posterior Capsular Stretching With and Without Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises in Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder
RecruitingPhase 4
Ultrasound-Guided Intra-Articular vs Gluteal Intramuscular Corticosteroid Injection for Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder
Not yet recruitingPhase 4
OMT for Adhesive Capsulitis
Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder, Frozen Shoulder
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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) in people with Frozen Shoulder, run by University of Lahore.
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 1 inclusion and 1 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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?
Shoulder function (time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after intervention initiation.). 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 Sep 2025.