Posterior Capsule TightnessPCT-KM-PPSNCT07637916
Comparing Two Shoulder Treatments for Athletes
A study testing Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization and Pragmatic Capsular Stretch in people with Posterior Capsule Tightness and Joint Diseases, run by University of Faisalabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Many athletes who play overhead sports like cricket develop tightness in the back of the shoulder. This causes pain and makes it hard to lift the arm. This study will compare two common physical therapy treatments: Kaltenborn joint mobilization (a specific manual therapy glide) versus a Pragmatic Posterior Capsular… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 22 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Posterior Capsule Tightness, Joint Diseases, Joint Range of Motion
- What is being tested?
- Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization and Pragmatic Capsular Stretch
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 34 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 15 Jun 2026to 1 Sep 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 22 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male and female athletes
- Positive GIRD test
- Age 22-40 years
- Overhead throwing athletes (Cricketers)
- Able to provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Fracture
- Recent shoulder injury (last 6 months)
- History of shoulder surgery
- Osteoarthritis
- Peripheral nerve injuries
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Dr. Muhammad Muneeb Jafar, Doctor of Physical Therapy contact
Pakistan1 site
The University of Faisalabad
Faisalābad, Punjab Province, 3800
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization (Posterior Glide) Versus Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch on Pain, Limited ROM and Functional Disability in Athletes With Posterior Capsule Tightness
Many athletes who play overhead sports like cricket develop tightness in the back of the shoulder. This causes pain and makes it hard to lift the arm. This study will compare two common physical therapy treatments: Kaltenborn joint mobilization (a specific manual therapy glide) versus a Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch (a specific stretching technique). We want to see which one works better for pain, range of motion, and daily function. 28 athletes will be treated for 4 weeks, and we will measure their progress using a goniometer and the SPADI questionnaire.
Read the detailed description
This is a single-center, randomized controlled trial. Participants aged 22-40 years with a positive GIRD test (indicating posterior capsule tightness) will be recruited from pedal courts and clinics in Faisalabad. After obtaining informed consent, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups using a random number generator.
Group A (Experimental): Receives Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch. The participant lies side-lying. The therapist stabilizes the scapula and applies medial rotation, extension, and traction for 30 seconds, repeated to achieve 15 minutes total per session.
Group B (Active Comparator): Receives Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization (Posterior Glide). The participant is positioned with the shoulder abducted and externally rotated. The therapist applies a Grade III posterior glide with lateral distraction, sustained at end-range for 15 minutes.
Both groups receive 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Outcome measures (Pain via SPADI, ROM via Goniometer, Function via SPADI) are taken at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 20 using independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests depending on normality.
- Being tested
- Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization, Pragmatic Capsular Stretch
- Keywords
- Posterior Capsule Tightness, GIRD, Kaltenborn Mobilization, Pragmatic Stretch, Glenohumeral Joint, Athletes, Atheletic over head shoulder restrictions
- Medical subject headings
- Joint Diseases
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kaltenborn Joint MobilizationProcedure or surgery
Kaltenborn Grade III sustained posterior glide with lateral distraction. Applied to the glenohumeral joint for 15 minutes per session, 3x/week for 4 weeks.
Pragmatic Capsular StretchProcedure or surgery
Side-lying stretch combining medial rotation, extension, and traction. Held for 30 seconds with deep breathing, repeated for 15 minutes total per session, 3x/week for 4 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch | Experimental | Participants in this arm receive the Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch. The participant is positioned in a comfortable side-lying posture on the unaffected side. To achieve targeted stretching of the posterior shoulder tissues and to prevent compensatory movements, the therapist supports the scapula in a protracted position with one hand. The therapist uses the other hand to administer a combination of medial rotation, extension, and longitudinal traction at the glenohumeral joint. The leverage required to execute the maneuver successfully is provided by the semi-flexed elbow. To improve muscular relaxation and capsular stretch, the stretch is held for 30 seconds and followed by at least three deep breaths, each held in full inspiration for 8-10 seconds. This stretch is repeated multiple times to achieve a total treatment duration of 15 minutes per session. This intervention is performed 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (total of 12 sessions). Receives: Procedure: Pragmatic Capsular Stretch |
| Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization (Posterior Glide) | Active comparator | Participants in this arm receive Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization (Posterior Glide). With the shoulder at the end range of abduction and external rotation, the participant is positioned for posterior mobilization in the starting posture. While performing the posterior stretch mobilization to the end range, a lateral humeral distraction is maintained in the midrange position. The shoulder is positioned in the final range of flexion and external rotation for advancement. While the posterior stretch mobilization is performed to the end range, a lateral humeral distraction remains in its intermediate position. For a minimum of one minute, the end-range position is maintained. This stretch is repeated until a total of fifteen minutes of sustained posterior mobilization are achieved per session. This intervention is performed 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (total of 12 sessions). Receives: Procedure: Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Pain
Measured using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) - Pain subscale. Score range 0-100 (higher = more pain).
Measured: Baseline and Week 4
Change in Range of Motion
Measured using a universal goniometer. Specifically Glenohumeral Internal Rotation (GIR) and Horizontal Adduction (HA) range in degrees.
Measured: Baseline and Week 4
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Functional Disability
Measured using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) - Disability subscale. Score range 0-100 (higher = more disability).
Measured: Baseline and Week 4
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted10 Jun 2026
- Study start15 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion19 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Sep 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Posterior Capsule TightnessStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Faisalabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Muhammad Muneeb Jafar, University of Faisalabad
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07637916
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- TUF/EIRB/ 224 /26
- Acronym
- PCT-KM-PPS
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 4 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 10 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- 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 10 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization (Posterior Glide) Versus Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch on Pain, Limited ROM and Functional Disability in Athletes With Posterior Capsule Tightness
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07637916
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PCT-KM-PPS / TUF/EIRB/ 224 /26
- Keywords
- Posterior Capsule Tightness, GIRD, Kaltenborn Mobilization, Pragmatic Stretch, Glenohumeral Joint, Athletes, Atheletic over head shoulder restrictions
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 34 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of FaisalabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 19 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 10 Jun 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.
Many athletes who play overhead sports like cricket develop tightness in the back of the shoulder. This causes pain and makes it hard to lift the arm. This study will compare two common physical therapy treatments: Kaltenborn joint mobilization (a specific manual therapy glide) versus a Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch (a specific stretching technique). We want to see which one works better for pain, range of motion, and daily function. 28 athletes will be treated for 4 weeks, and we will measure their progress using a goniometer and the SPADI questionnaire.
Detailed description
This is a single-center, randomized controlled trial. Participants aged 22-40 years with a positive GIRD test (indicating posterior capsule tightness) will be recruited from pedal courts and clinics in Faisalabad. After obtaining informed consent, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups using a random number generator.
Group A (Experimental): Receives Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch. The participant lies side-lying. The therapist stabilizes the scapula and applies medial rotation, extension, and traction for 30 seconds, repeated to achieve 15 minutes total per session.
Group B (Active Comparator): Receives Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization (Posterior Glide). The participant is positioned with the shoulder abducted and externally rotated. The therapist applies a Grade III posterior glide with lateral distraction, sustained at end-range for 15 minutes.
Both groups receive 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Outcome measures (Pain via SPADI, ROM via Goniometer, Function via SPADI) are taken at baseline and at the end of 4 weeks. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 20 using independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests depending on normality.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch | Experimental | Procedure: Pragmatic Capsular StretchParticipants in this arm receive the Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch. The participant is positioned in a comfortable side-lying posture on the unaffected side. To achieve targeted stretching of the posterior shoulder tissues and to prevent compensatory movements, the therapist supports the scapula in a protracted position with one hand. The therapist uses the other hand to administer a combination of medial rotation, extension, and longitudinal traction at the glenohumeral joint. The leverage required to execute the maneuver successfully is provided by the semi-flexed elbow. To improve muscular relaxation and capsular stretch, the stretch is held for 30 seconds and followed by at least three deep breaths, each held in full inspiration for 8-10 seconds. This stretch is repeated multiple times to achieve a total treatment duration of 15 minutes per session. This intervention is performed 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (total of 12 sessions). |
| Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization (Posterior Glide) | Active comparator | Procedure: Kaltenborn Joint MobilizationParticipants in this arm receive Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization (Posterior Glide). With the shoulder at the end range of abduction and external rotation, the participant is positioned for posterior mobilization in the starting posture. While performing the posterior stretch mobilization to the end range, a lateral humeral distraction is maintained in the midrange position. The shoulder is positioned in the final range of flexion and external rotation for advancement. While the posterior stretch mobilization is performed to the end range, a lateral humeral distraction remains in its intermediate position. For a minimum of one minute, the end-range position is maintained. This stretch is repeated until a total of fifteen minutes of sustained posterior mobilization are achieved per session. This intervention is performed 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (total of 12 sessions). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 22 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Male and female athletes
- Positive GIRD test
- Age 22-40 years
- Overhead throwing athletes (Cricketers)
- Able to provide informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Fracture
- Recent shoulder injury (last 6 months)
- History of shoulder surgery
- Osteoarthritis
- Peripheral nerve injuries
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kaltenborn Joint MobilizationKaltenborn Grade III sustained posterior glide with lateral distraction. Applied to the glenohumeral joint for 15 minutes per session, 3x/week for 4 weeks. | Procedure or surgery | Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization (Posterior Glide) |
| Pragmatic Capsular StretchSide-lying stretch combining medial rotation, extension, and traction. Held for 30 seconds with deep breathing, repeated for 15 minutes total per session, 3x/week for 4 weeks. | Procedure or surgery | Pragmatic Posterior Capsular Stretch |
Primary outcome
Change in Pain
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Measured using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) - Pain subscale. Score range 0-100 (higher = more pain).
Change in Range of Motion
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
Measured using a universal goniometer. Specifically Glenohumeral Internal Rotation (GIR) and Horizontal Adduction (HA) range in degrees.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Functional Disability
Time frame: Baseline and Week 4
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 10 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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.
Dr. Muhammad Muneeb Jafar, Doctor of Physical Therapy contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization and Pragmatic Capsular Stretch in people with Posterior Capsule Tightness and Joint Diseases, run by University of Faisalabad 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 5 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 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 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?
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 Dr. Muhammad Muneeb Jafar, Doctor of Physical Therapy (+92 300 4561972, muneebjafar.DPT@tuf.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Pain (time frame: Baseline and Week 4). The study lists 2 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 10 Jun 2026.