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Rotator Cuff TearsNCT07383038

Effect of Mobilization With Movement in Patients With Rotator Cuff Lesions

A study testing Mulligan mobilization and Conventional Physiotherapy in people with Rotator Cuff Tears and Physical Disability, run by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of Mobilization with Movement (MWM) on pain and functional status in individuals with rotator cuff lesions. Rotator cuff pathology is a common cause of shoulder pain and functional limitation, and impairments in proprioception may further compromise… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Rotator Cuff Tears, Physical Disability
What is being tested?
Mulligan mobilization and Conventional Physiotherapy
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
75 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
25 Aug 2025to 28 Aug 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

  • Age between 18 and 65 years
  • Clinical and/or imaging-confirmed diagnosis of rotator cuff lesion (e.g., tendinopathy or partial tear)
  • Presence of shoulder pain for at least 3 months
  • Pain and functional limitation during shoulder movements
  • Ability to actively perform shoulder movements required for assessment and intervention
  • No physiotherapy or manual therapy treatment for the affected shoulder within the last 3 months

Who cannot join

  • History of shoulder surgery on the affected side
  • Full-thickness rotator cuff tear or shoulder instability
  • Shoulder fracture, dislocation, or acute trauma within the past 6 months
  • Neurological disorders affecting the upper extremity (e.g., cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy)
  • Systemic inflammatory or rheumatologic diseases
  • Severe shoulder osteoarthritis or adhesive capsulitis
Show all 10Show fewer
  • Current participation in another clinical trial
  • Use of corticosteroid injection in the affected shoulder within the last 3 months
  • Pregnancy
  • Inability to comply with the study protocol or assessment procedures

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Ömer Faruk Özçelep, PhD contact

+90 531 946 3777

omer.ozcelep@ahievran.edu.tr

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Ahi Evran University

    Kırşehir

    Ömer Faruk ÖZÇELEP, MsC, omer.ozcelep@ahievran.edu.tr

    Recruiting

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Effect of Mobilization With Movement on Function, Disability, and Pain in Patients With Rotator Cuff Lesions: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of Mobilization with Movement (MWM) on pain and functional status in individuals with rotator cuff lesions. Rotator cuff pathology is a common cause of shoulder pain and functional limitation, and impairments in proprioception may further compromise shoulder motor control and recovery.

Eligible participants with rotator cuff lesions will be randomly allocated into three groups: (1) Mobilization with Movement (MWM), (2) conventional physiotherapy, and (3) control group. All participants will be evaluated before and after the intervention period. Outcome measures will include shoulder-related functional disability assessed by the QuickDASH questionnaire, pain intensity, and shoulder joint position sense evaluated using an active repositioning test with a laser pointer during shoulder flexion.

The study is designed to determine whether MWM provides additional benefits over conventional treatment or task oriented training intervention in improving pain, function, and proprioceptive accuracy. The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based conservative rehabilitation strategies for patients with rotator cuff lesions.

Read the detailed description

Rotator cuff lesions are among the most common causes of shoulder pain and functional limitation, particularly in middle-aged and older adults. Due to the wide range of motion and complex biomechanics of the glenohumeral joint, integrity of the rotator cuff muscles is essential for dynamic stability, coordinated movement, and precise joint positioning. Pathological changes in the rotator cuff may lead not only to pain and reduced functional capacity but also to impairments in proprioception, which can negatively affect motor control and increase the risk of recurrent injury.

Conservative management is widely recommended as the first-line treatment for rotator cuff lesions and typically includes therapeutic exercises, physical agents, and manual therapy techniques. Mobilization with Movement (MWM), developed within the Mulligan concept, is a manual therapy approach that combines sustained accessory joint mobilization with active, pain-free physiological movement. MWM is proposed to improve joint mechanics, reduce pain, and enhance neuromuscular and proprioceptive input. While previous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of MWM in reducing pain and improving function in various musculoskeletal conditions, evidence regarding its effects on shoulder proprioception, particularly joint position sense, in individuals with rotator cuff lesions remains limited.

This randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the effects of MWM on pain, functional outcomes, and joint position sense in patients with rotator cuff lesions. Eligible participants diagnosed with rotator cuff pathology will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) Mobilization with Movement (MWM) group, (2) conventional physiotherapy group, or (3) task oriented training group. Randomization will be performed after baseline assessment to ensure allocation concealment.

All participants will undergo standardized assessments at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the intervention period (post-intervention). Functional status of the upper extremity will be evaluated using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire. Pain intensity will be assessed using validated self-report measures. Shoulder proprioception will be assessed through a joint position sense test using an active repositioning method during shoulder flexion with a laser pointer system, recording the deviation from a predefined target point in centimeters.

The MWM group will receive manual therapy interventions based on Mulligan principles, applied by a trained physiotherapist, in addition to standard care. The conventional physiotherapy group will receive commonly used rehabilitation interventions excluding MWM techniques. The control group will not receive therapeutic intervention during the study period. All procedures will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to enrollment.

The primary objective of this study is to determine whether MWM leads to superior improvements in pain, functional ability, and joint position sense compared with conventional physiotherapy and no intervention. Secondary objectives include evaluating the magnitude of treatment effects and exploring the relationship between changes in proprioception and functional outcomes. The results of this trial are expected to provide clinically relevant evidence regarding the role of Mobilization with Movement in conservative rehabilitation protocols for individuals with rotator cuff lesions.

Being tested
Mulligan mobilization, Conventional Physiotherapy
Keywords
rotator cuff lesions, Mulligan mobilization, joint position sense
Medical subject headings
Rotator Cuff Injuries

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Mulligan mobilizationOther

    Participants assigned to the Mobilization with Movement (MWM) group will receive manual therapy based on the Mulligan concept. The intervention will consist of the application of sustained, pain-free accessory mobilization to the glenohumeral joint combined with active physiological shoulder movements, primarily in shoulder flexion and abduction. The direction and grade of mobilization will be individually determined according to the patient's symptoms and movement restrictions, ensuring that all movements are performed within a pain-free range.

    MWM interventions will be administered by a trained physiotherapist following a standardized treatment protocol. Each treatment session will last approximately 20-30 minutes and will be applied multiple times per week throughout the intervention period. The primary goal of the intervention is to improve joint mechanics, reduce pain, and enhance proprioceptive input by facilitating normal, pain-free movement patterns.

  • Conventional PhysiotherapyOther

    Participants allocated to the conventional physiotherapy group will receive a standard rehabilitation program commonly used for rotator cuff lesions. The intervention will include therapeutic exercises targeting shoulder range of motion, strengthening of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizing muscles, and stretching exercises for periarticular soft tissues. Physical therapy modalities such as heat or ultrasound may be applied as needed for pain management.

    This intervention will be delivered by a physiotherapist according to established clinical guidelines. Mobilization with Movement or other Mulligan-based manual therapy techniques will not be included in this group.

Study groups in NCT07383038
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Conventional Physiotherapy GroupActive comparatorParticipants in this arm will receive a conventional physiotherapy program commonly used in the conservative management of rotator cuff lesions. The program will include therapeutic exercises, stretching, and physical therapy modalities aimed at reducing pain and improving shoulder function. Mobilization with Movement or other Mulligan-based manual therapy techniques will not be applied in this group.
Receives: Other: Conventional Physiotherapy
Mobilization with Movement (MWM) GroupExperimentalParticipants allocated to this arm will receive Mobilization with Movement interventions based on the Mulligan concept. The technique will involve the application of sustained accessory glenohumeral joint mobilization combined with active, pain-free shoulder movements. Interventions will be administered by a trained physiotherapist according to a standardized protocol. This group may also receive basic conventional physiotherapy components excluding other manual mobilization techniques.
Receives: Other: Mulligan mobilization
Task-Oriented Training (Virtual Reality) GroupNo interventionParticipants allocated to this arm will receive a task-oriented training program delivered through virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation applications. The intervention will consist of goal-directed and functional upper extremity activities designed to simulate daily living tasks and promote active shoulder use. Training tasks will target reaching, grasping, object manipulation, and multidirectional arm movements requiring coordination, accuracy, and motor control.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire.

    Upper Extremity Functional Disability, Higher scores better outcomes

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period.

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Visual Analog Scale

    Pain Intensity-Lower score better outcomes

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period.

  2. Joint Position Sense Error (cm)

    Shoulder Joint Position Sense-Proprioception was assessed by measuring joint position sense (JPS) using a laser.Lower score better outcomes

    Measured: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted3 Feb 2026
  2. Study start25 Aug 2025
  3. Primary completion25 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion28 Aug 2026 (estimated)

Resources

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
Model description
This study is designed as a randomized, parallel-group interventional clinical trial. Eligible participants diagnosed with rotator cuff lesions will be prospectively assigned to one of three intervention arms: Mobilization with Movement (MWM), conventional physiotherapy, task oriented training group. Allocation to study arms will be performed using a randomization procedure to minimize selection bias and to ensure comparability between groups at baseline. Each study group will follow its assigned intervention protocol throughout the intervention period, and participants will remain in the same group for the duration of the study (parallel assignment). Outcomes will be assessed at two time points: before the initiation of the intervention (baseline) and after completion of the intervention period (post-intervention). There will be no crossover between groups.
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Investigator
Enrolment
75 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07383038
Sponsor's protocol ID
AEU-FTR3
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
20 Jan 2026
Last updated
8 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data collected in this study will not be made publicly available. Aggregate data and study results will be reported in scientific publications and presentations without including any identifiable participant information.

Publications

  • Ozlu O, Sahin M. The effect of mulligan mobilization technique application in addition to conventional physiotherapy on pain and joint range of motion in people with neck pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Jul;39:225-230. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.02.009. Epub 2024 Mar 5.

    PubMed 38876630

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Mulligan mobilization and Conventional Physiotherapy in people with Rotator Cuff Tears and Physical Disability, run by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

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 6 inclusion and 10 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jun 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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?

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?

Contact Ömer Faruk Özçelep, PhD (+90 531 946 3777, omer.ozcelep@ahievran.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire. (time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and at the end of the 8-week intervention period.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07383038, which also lists 1 linked publication.

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 8 Jun 2026.

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