Adhesive CapsulitisNCT07486193
Effects of Nunchaku Exercise for Improving Frozen Shoulder
A study testing Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE) and Nunchaku Exercise in people with Adhesive Capsulitis, run by Chinese University of Hong Kong at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate if nunchaku exercise works to treat adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder in middle-aged or older adults. It will also learn about the adherence of this exercise intervention. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 45 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- What is being tested?
- Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE) and Nunchaku Exercise
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 14 Apr 2026to 31 Dec 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 45 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Ethnic Chinese;
- Age 45 years or above;
- Diagnosed with Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) and currently in the thawing stage.
Who cannot join
- Presence of secondary causes of shoulder stiffness, including recent trauma, post-surgical stiffness, or structural lesions such as full-thickness rotator cuff tears or severe glenohumeral arthritis;
- Receipt of recent shoulder treatments known to influence short-term outcomes, including corticosteroid injections within the past three months, hydrodilatation, manipulation under anesthesia, arthroscopic capsular release within the past six months, or structured shoulder physiotherapy within the past three months;
- Presence of somatic conditions that limit their ability to participate safely in exercise (e.g., inability to walk without an assistive device).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Hong Kong1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Angus Pak-Hung Yu, PhD, (852) 39435253, phayu@cuhk.edu.hk
About this study
Official title: Effects of Nunchaku Exercise on Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) in Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate if nunchaku exercise works to treat adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder in middle-aged or older adults. It will also learn about the adherence of this exercise intervention. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does practicing nunchaku exercises help reduce shoulder pain and improve shoulder movement?
- Do people stick with nunchaku exercises better, and spend more time practicing on their own, compared with standard exercises for alleviating frozen-shoulder?
Read more
Researchers will compare nunchaku exercise to standard exercises for alleviating frozen-shoulder to see if nunchaku exercise works to alleviate frozen shoulder.
Participants will:
- Join small group exercise classes for 12 weeks, doing either nunchaku based exercises or standard exercises designed to help relieve frozen shoulder.
- Have their shoulder pain and movement checked three times:
- before training
- after 6 weeks of training,
- after finishing the 12 week program, and
- 12 weeks after the program ends.
- Keep a record of their home practice time.
Read the detailed description
Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a progressive fibro-inflammatory condition characterized by synovitis, capsular thickening, and collagen remodeling, leading to substantial restrictions in active and passive shoulder motion. These movement limitations commonly result in impaired sleep, difficulties in self-care, and reduced capacity for work and leisure activities. Although conservative rehabilitation is the standard of care, real-world effectiveness is frequently constrained by poor adherence to home-based exercises, often due to discomfort and exercise monotony.
This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of nunchaku exercise as a novel rehabilitative modality for individuals with adhesive capsulitis in the thawing phase. Nunchaku practice requires rhythmic, multiplanar arm motions, coordinated scapulohumeral control, and dynamic stabilization. These biomechanical characteristics align with therapeutic goals of end-range stretching, neuromuscular retraining, and rotator-cuff-based stabilization. The inherently rhythmic, skill-acquisition nature of nunchaku practice may also enhance intrinsic motivation and adherence relative to traditional exercise programs.
In this assessor-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group trial, 50 ethnic Chinese adults aged 45 years or older will be recruited and randomized 1:1 to either a standard shoulder mobilization and stretching exercise program (SMSE) or a nunchaku exercise program (NE). The nunchaku exercise program will adapt into a safe, soft-towel form suitable for older adults. Both interventions last 12 weeks and consist of twice-weekly, 60-minute, small-group sessions, supplemented by encouraged home practice. SMSE includes joint mobilization, end-range stretching, strengthening. NE follows the Level 1 nunchaku syllabus of the nunchaku system from the Hong Kong nunchaku association.
Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 6, week 12, and week 24. The primary outcome is the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Secondary outcomes include the Visual Analog Scale for pain, Constant-Murley Score, pain-free range of motion, and intervention enjoyment (PACES-8). Adherence will be monitored through attendance, dropout rates, and weekly self-practice time.
This study aims to determine whether nunchaku exercise can improve adherence and produce superior clinical outcomes compared with standard rehabilitation in middle-aged and older adults with adhesive capsulitis.
- Conditions
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- Being tested
- Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE), Nunchaku Exercise
- Keywords
- Frozen Shoulder, Nunchaku exercise, adhesive capsulitis
- Medical subject headings
- Bursitis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE)Behavioural
Participants in this group will be offered a 12-week rehabilitation program consisting of two 60-minute sessions per week. This program has been designed by a registered physiotherapist in accordance with the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong's self-care guidelines. Each session includes joint mobilization exercises, end-range stretching using a towel or stick, and muscle-strengthening and stabilizing exercises. The training will be conducted in small groups by trained exercise instructors, and you will be encouraged to continue practicing these exercises independently at home between sessions.
Nunchaku ExerciseBehavioural
Participants randomized to the Nunchaku Exercise group will participate in a 12-week training program consisting of two 60-minute sessions per week. To prioritize safety and minimize the risk of injury, you will use a soft towel with a knot at each end to simulate nunchaku movements (Figure 1). The training focuses on the level one syllabus of the standard nunchaku system, which involves rhythmic multi-angle movements, such as figure-eight trajectories and alternating hand transfers. Classes will be conducted in small groups by certified coaches from the Hong Kong Nunchaku Association, and you will be encouraged to perform these exercises independently at home between sessions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE) | Active comparator | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE) |
| Nunchaku Exercise | Experimental | Not described Receives: Behavioral: Nunchaku Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
SPADI will be used to assess shoulder pain and functional limitations during daily living activities. SPADI, comprising 5 items to assess pain and 8 to assess disability, is widely used to evaluate the negative impact of frozen shoulder. Its Chinese version has been validated in China with good internal consistency and reliability
Measured: From enrollment to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks
Secondary outcomes (4)
Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS)
The perception of pain during resting, and ordinary daily activities will be assessed using VAS. Participants will be instructed to draw a mark on a 10-cm line, with one end indicating no pain and the other indicating worst pain imaginable, to indicate their pain level
Measured: From enrollment to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks
Constant-Murley Score (CMS)
Overall shoulder function will be assessed using the CMS. CMS assesses 4 domains, including pain, how shoulder function affects daily activity, pain-free range of motion, and muscle strength. This instrument has been validated in China. This assessment will be conducted by a registered physiotherapist.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks
Pain-free Range of Motion (ROM)
The pain-free ROM of forward and lateral elevation during flexion and abduction will be measured using a goniometer. The assessment will be conducted by a registered physiotherapist.
Measured: From enrollment to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks
Enjoyment of intervention
Enjoyment of intervention will be assessed using the Eight-Item Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES-8).
Measured: From mid-intervention at 6 weeks to to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Mar 2026
- Study start14 Apr 2026
- Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Adhesive CapsulitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Chinese University of Hong KongThe 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
- Model description
- This study is a two-arm, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, single-center, randomized controlled trial. Individuals who express interest will be invited to a semi-structured interview to determine eligibility. A medical doctor will confirm the diagnosis and stage of adhesive capsulitis. Informed consent will be obtained prior to any outcome assessments. Following baseline assessments, eligible participants will be randomized to either the shoulder mobilization and stretching exercise group (SMSE) or the nunchaku exercise group (NE) for a 12-week intervention. Outcome assessments will be conducted at four time points: baseline (week 0), mid-intervention (week 6), post-intervention (week 12), and follow-up (week 24), the latter occurring 12 weeks after completion of the intervention.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Chinese University of Hong Kong
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Angus Pak-Hung Yu, Chinese University of Hong Kong
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07486193
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FS_nun_1
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 17 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Nunchaku Exercise on Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) in Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07486193
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FS_nun_1
- Conditions
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- Keywords
- Frozen Shoulder, Nunchaku exercise, adhesive capsulitis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Chinese University of Hong KongUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 14 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 Mar 2026 (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 goal of this clinical trial is to investigate if nunchaku exercise works to treat adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder in middle-aged or older adults. It will also learn about the adherence of this exercise intervention. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- Does practicing nunchaku exercises help reduce shoulder pain and improve shoulder movement?
- Do people stick with nunchaku exercises better, and spend more time practicing on their own, compared with standard exercises for alleviating frozen-shoulder?
Researchers will compare nunchaku exercise to standard exercises for alleviating frozen-shoulder to see if nunchaku exercise works to alleviate frozen shoulder.
Participants will:
- Join small group exercise classes for 12 weeks, doing either nunchaku based exercises or standard exercises designed to help relieve frozen shoulder.
- Have their shoulder pain and movement checked three times:
- before training
- after 6 weeks of training,
- after finishing the 12 week program, and
- 12 weeks after the program ends.
- Keep a record of their home practice time.
Detailed description
Adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder, is a progressive fibro-inflammatory condition characterized by synovitis, capsular thickening, and collagen remodeling, leading to substantial restrictions in active and passive shoulder motion. These movement limitations commonly result in impaired sleep, difficulties in self-care, and reduced capacity for work and leisure activities. Although conservative rehabilitation is the standard of care, real-world effectiveness is frequently constrained by poor adherence to home-based exercises, often due to discomfort and exercise monotony.
This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of nunchaku exercise as a novel rehabilitative modality for individuals with adhesive capsulitis in the thawing phase. Nunchaku practice requires rhythmic, multiplanar arm motions, coordinated scapulohumeral control, and dynamic stabilization. These biomechanical characteristics align with therapeutic goals of end-range stretching, neuromuscular retraining, and rotator-cuff-based stabilization. The inherently rhythmic, skill-acquisition nature of nunchaku practice may also enhance intrinsic motivation and adherence relative to traditional exercise programs.
In this assessor-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group trial, 50 ethnic Chinese adults aged 45 years or older will be recruited and randomized 1:1 to either a standard shoulder mobilization and stretching exercise program (SMSE) or a nunchaku exercise program (NE). The nunchaku exercise program will adapt into a safe, soft-towel form suitable for older adults. Both interventions last 12 weeks and consist of twice-weekly, 60-minute, small-group sessions, supplemented by encouraged home practice. SMSE includes joint mobilization, end-range stretching, strengthening. NE follows the Level 1 nunchaku syllabus of the nunchaku system from the Hong Kong nunchaku association.
Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 6, week 12, and week 24. The primary outcome is the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Secondary outcomes include the Visual Analog Scale for pain, Constant-Murley Score, pain-free range of motion, and intervention enjoyment (PACES-8). Adherence will be monitored through attendance, dropout rates, and weekly self-practice time.
This study aims to determine whether nunchaku exercise can improve adherence and produce superior clinical outcomes compared with standard rehabilitation in middle-aged and older adults with adhesive capsulitis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study is a two-arm, parallel-group, assessor-blinded, single-center, randomized controlled trial. Individuals who express interest will be invited to a semi-structured interview to determine eligibility. A medical doctor will confirm the diagnosis and stage of adhesive capsulitis. Informed consent will be obtained prior to any outcome assessments. Following baseline assessments, eligible participants will be randomized to either the shoulder mobilization and stretching exercise group (SMSE) or the nunchaku exercise group (NE) for a 12-week intervention. Outcome assessments will be conducted at four time points: baseline (week 0), mid-intervention (week 6), post-intervention (week 12), and follow-up (week 24), the latter occurring 12 weeks after completion of the intervention.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE) |
| Nunchaku Exercise | Experimental | Behavioral: Nunchaku Exercise |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 45 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Ethnic Chinese;
- Age 45 years or above;
- Diagnosed with Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) and currently in the thawing stage.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Presence of secondary causes of shoulder stiffness, including recent trauma, post-surgical stiffness, or structural lesions such as full-thickness rotator cuff tears or severe glenohumeral arthritis;
- Receipt of recent shoulder treatments known to influence short-term outcomes, including corticosteroid injections within the past three months, hydrodilatation, manipulation under anesthesia, arthroscopic capsular release within the past six months, or structured shoulder physiotherapy within the past three months;
- Presence of somatic conditions that limit their ability to participate safely in exercise (e.g., inability to walk without an assistive device).
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE)Participants in this group will be offered a 12-week rehabilitation program consisting of two 60-minute sessions per week. This program has been designed by a registered physiotherapist in accordance with the Hospital Authority of Hong Kong's self-care guidelines. Each session includes joint mobilization exercises, end-range stretching using a towel or stick, and muscle-strengthening and stabilizing exercises. The training will be conducted in small groups by trained exercise instructors, and you will be encouraged to continue practicing these exercises independently at home between sessions. | Behavioural | Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE) |
| Nunchaku ExerciseParticipants randomized to the Nunchaku Exercise group will participate in a 12-week training program consisting of two 60-minute sessions per week. To prioritize safety and minimize the risk of injury, you will use a soft towel with a knot at each end to simulate nunchaku movements (Figure 1). The training focuses on the level one syllabus of the standard nunchaku system, which involves rhythmic multi-angle movements, such as figure-eight trajectories and alternating hand transfers. Classes will be conducted in small groups by certified coaches from the Hong Kong Nunchaku Association, and you will be encouraged to perform these exercises independently at home between sessions. | Behavioural | Nunchaku Exercise |
Primary outcome
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks
SPADI will be used to assess shoulder pain and functional limitations during daily living activities. SPADI, comprising 5 items to assess pain and 8 to assess disability, is widely used to evaluate the negative impact of frozen shoulder. Its Chinese version has been validated in China with good internal consistency and reliability
4 secondary outcomes
Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks
Constant-Murley Score (CMS)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks
Pain-free Range of Motion (ROM)
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks
Enjoyment of intervention
Time frame: From mid-intervention at 6 weeks to to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks
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 17 Apr 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Shoulder Mobilization and Stretching Exercise (SMSE) and Nunchaku Exercise in people with Adhesive Capsulitis, run by Chinese University of Hong Kong at 1 site in Hong Kong.
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 3 inclusion and 3 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 17 Apr 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 Hong Kong. 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 Angus Pak-Hung Yu, PhD ((852) 39435253, phayu@cuhk.edu.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) (time frame: From enrollment to the end of follow-up period at 24 weeks). 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 17 Apr 2026.