Adhesive CapsulitisNCT07788287
Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive Therapy on Shoulder Range of Motion In Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis
A study testing Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy and Stretching exercises in people with Adhesive Capsulitis, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
The current study's general aim is to compare the effectiveness of Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy combined with stretching versus stretching alone in patients with adhesive capsulitis stage 2,3 on range of motion, pain, and function. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- What is being tested?
- Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy and Stretching exercises
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- Sep 2026to 30 Mar 2027
- 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 40 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients of both genders with primary adhesive capsulitis.
- Patients aged between 40-65.
- Pain duration of three months or more.
- Range of motion loss of greater than 25% in at least 2 planes and passive external rotation loss that is greater than 50% of the uninvolved shoulder or less than 30° of external rotation.
Who cannot join
- Bilateral adhesive capsulitis,
- Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,
- Malignancies,
- Heart diseases
- Infections
- Coagulation disorders
Show all 16Show fewer
- Full rotator cuff tear
- History of recent shoulder surgery
- Neurological problems involving the upper extremity
- Shoulder joint osteoarthritis
- Upper extremity fractures
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Impaired sensation
- Having a heart pacemaker
- Pregnancy
- Physiotherapy treatment in the previous 6 weeks
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Egypt1 site
Cairo university
Cairo
Mohamed H Nasser, Master, 01007966818, Mohamed.hemiednasser@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Effect of Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy on Shoulder Range of Motion In Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis
The current study's general aim is to compare the effectiveness of Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy combined with stretching versus stretching alone in patients with adhesive capsulitis stage 2,3 on range of motion, pain, and function.
Read the detailed description
Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder is often defined as insidious shoulder pain and range of motion (ROM) loss of more than 25% in at least 2 planes. Furthermore, there was passive external rotation loss of more than 50% of the unaffected shoulder, or less than 30° of available external rotation. The specific cause of the rotator interval contracting and the capsule thickening, which results in shoulder pain and a decrease in capsular volume, is still a mystery One of the alternate methods used for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases is transfer energy capacitive and resistive or TECAR therapy, which is a deep heat-generating modality delivering radiofrequency energy ranging from 300 kHz to 1 MHz. TECAR therapy enhances the physiological tissue metabolism by transferring energy and increasing electrolytic motions within tissues, causing increased deep temperature, microcirculation, vasodilatation, and muscle flexibility Considering the importance of proper adhesive capsulitis treatment and the lack of rigorous studies, especially randomized controlled studies, on the effects of TECAR Therapy in adhesive capsulitis management and capsular extensibility.
Besides, application of TECAR therapy may show added benefit, like decreasing the time needed to gain ROM when compared to stretching only and pain and function. Results could provide more insight into the directional preference of modalities during treatment. Therefore, the results of the current study might help to improve practice, helping clinicians to consider using TECAR therapy as an effective treatment for primary frozen.
- Conditions
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- Being tested
- Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy, Stretching exercises
- Medical subject headings
- Bursitis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) TherapyDevice
To apply TECAR therapy, the patient will lie supine, with the passive electrode, a flexible rectangular stainless steel plate measuring 150 £ 200 mm, placed under the affected side's scapula. A rigid circular metallic electrode with a 60-mm diameter will be used as the active electrode. Using the resistive mode with the power of 8 to 10 mA, the active electrode will be circularly moved continuously for 10 minutes on the anterior-inferior shoulder capsule while the patient's arm will be held at the end existing range of abduction and external rotation. As well, a conductive cream will be used as a coupling medium between the electrodes and the skin. Based on the manufacturer's recommendation for safe performance, the TECAR intensity will be set as the most effective method, causing no pain based on each patient's feedback.
Stretching exercisesOther
While the patients were lying on the bed, they would receive cyclic (intermittent) stretching. Cyclic stretching is the application, release, and reapplication of a relatively short-duration stretch force repeatedly but progressively. Twenty seconds of stretching and 10 seconds of rest will be used 10 times in each of the following directions (flexion, scapular plane abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation) and stretch to target rotator cuff interval.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy and stretching exercise group | Experimental | The participants will receive transfer of energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy with stretching for limited ROM (Flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation). Patients will receive three sessions per week for 1 month. Receives: Device: Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy; Other: Stretching exercises |
| Stretching exercise group | Active comparator | The participants will receive stretching alone for limited ROM (Flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation). Patients will receive three sessions per week for 1 month. Receives: Other: Stretching exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Glenohumeral External Rotation range of motion (ROM) in Adducted shoulder
To measure external rotation range of motion (ROM) with the shoulder adducted, the patient will be positioned in supine with the upper arm positioned at the side and the elbow flexed to 90°. The examiner will passively externally rotate the glenohumeral joint until end range is reached. Range of motion will be measured by placing the axis of the goniometer on the olecranon process. The stationary arm will be aligned with the vertical position. The movable arm will be aligned with the ulnar styloid process.
Measured: 1 month
Glenohumeral External Rotation range of motion (ROM) in Abducted shoulder
External rotation range of motion (ROM) may also be measured with the shoulder abducted to 45° or to 90° in the frontal plane (if the patient has the available abduction ROM). The stationary arm of goniometer will be aligned with the vertical position. The movable arm will be aligned with the ulnar styloid process.
Measured: 1 month
Glenohumeral Internal Rotation range of motion (ROM) in Abducted shoulder
Internal rotation range of motion (ROM) will be measured while the patient is positioned in supine, the shoulder abducted to 90°, and the elbow flexed to 90°. If glenohumeral abduction is less than 90°, a 45° abduction angle can be used. The examiner passively internally rotates the glenohumeral joint until end range is reached, ensuring that there is no scapular compensation. Range of motion will be measured by placing the axis of the goniometer on the olecranon process. The stationary arm will be aligned with the vertical position. The movable arm will be aligned with the ulnar styloid process
Measured: 1 month
Shoulder Flexion range of motion (ROM)
To measure flexion range of motion (ROM), the patient will be positioned in supine with the arm rest at the side. The examiner will passively flex the shoulder until end range is reached (with no compensatory movements from the thorax and the lumbar spine). Range of motion will be measured by placing the axis of the goniometer on the greater tuberosity. The stationary arm will be aligned with the midline of the trunk. The movable arm will be aligned with the lateral epicondyle.
Measured: 1 month
Shoulder Abduction range of motion (ROM)
To measure abduction range of motion (ROM), the patient will be positioned in supine with the arm comfortably by the side. The examiner passively abducts the shoulder until end range is reached (shoulder must remain in the same plane). Range of motion will be measured by placing the axis of the goniometer on the head of the humerus. The stationary arm will be aligned parallel with the midline of the sternum. The movable arm will be aligned with the midshaft of the humerus.
Measured: 1 month
Shoulder extension range of motion (ROM)
To measure extension range of motion (ROM), the patient is positioned in prone position with the arm rest at the side. The examiner passively extends the shoulder until the end range is reached. Range of motion will be measured by placing the axis of the goniometer on the greater tuberosity. The stationary arm will be aligned with the midline of the trunk. The movable arm will be aligned with the lateral epicondyle.
Measured: 1 month
Secondary outcomes (2)
Assessment of shoulder pain
The Arabic version of the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) will be used. The 13-item SPADI consists of two primary components, five pain items, and eight disability items. The five pain items will be recorded to determine pain level. The weighting of each domain score for the overall score is equal. The total score for pain is 50. The overall score is between 0 and 100, with 0 denoting no pain or difficulty.
Measured: 1 month
Assessment of shoulder function
The Arabic version of the shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) will be used. The 13-item SPADI consists of two primary components, five pain items, and eight disability items. The eight disability items will be recorded to determine shoulder function. The weighting of each domain score for the overall score is equal. The total score for the disability scale is 80. A percentage is used to represent the overall SPADI score. The overall score is between 0 and 100 ; 0 for best and 100 for worst. More disability is indicated by a higher score.
Measured: 1 month
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted26 Aug 2026
- Study startSep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion15 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Mar 2027 (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 Cairo 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mohamed Hemied Nasser, Cairo University
- Investigators
- Mohamed A Mohamed, As.professor, Study director, Cairo UniversityMona M Ibrahim, As.Professor, Study chair, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07788287
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T.REC/012/006279
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 26 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy on Shoulder Range of Motion In Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07788287
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- P.T.REC/012/006279
- Conditions
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 15 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 26 Aug 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 current study's general aim is to compare the effectiveness of Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy combined with stretching versus stretching alone in patients with adhesive capsulitis stage 2,3 on range of motion, pain, and function.
Detailed description
Adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder is often defined as insidious shoulder pain and range of motion (ROM) loss of more than 25% in at least 2 planes. Furthermore, there was passive external rotation loss of more than 50% of the unaffected shoulder, or less than 30° of available external rotation. The specific cause of the rotator interval contracting and the capsule thickening, which results in shoulder pain and a decrease in capsular volume, is still a mystery One of the alternate methods used for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases is transfer energy capacitive and resistive or TECAR therapy, which is a deep heat-generating modality delivering radiofrequency energy ranging from 300 kHz to 1 MHz. TECAR therapy enhances the physiological tissue metabolism by transferring energy and increasing electrolytic motions within tissues, causing increased deep temperature, microcirculation, vasodilatation, and muscle flexibility Considering the importance of proper adhesive capsulitis treatment and the lack of rigorous studies, especially randomized controlled studies, on the effects of TECAR Therapy in adhesive capsulitis management and capsular extensibility.
Besides, application of TECAR therapy may show added benefit, like decreasing the time needed to gain ROM when compared to stretching only and pain and function. Results could provide more insight into the directional preference of modalities during treatment. Therefore, the results of the current study might help to improve practice, helping clinicians to consider using TECAR therapy as an effective treatment for primary frozen.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy and stretching exercise group | Experimental | Device: Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy, Other: Stretching exercisesThe participants will receive transfer of energy capacitive and resistive (TECAR) therapy with stretching for limited ROM (Flexion, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation). Patients will receive three sessions per week for 1 month. |
| Stretching exercise group | Active comparator | Other: Stretching exercisesThe participants will receive stretching alone for limited ROM (Flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation). Patients will receive three sessions per week for 1 month. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patients of both genders with primary adhesive capsulitis.
- Patients aged between 40-65.
- Pain duration of three months or more.
- Range of motion loss of greater than 25% in at least 2 planes and passive external rotation loss that is greater than 50% of the uninvolved shoulder or less than 30° of external rotation.
Key exclusion criteria (16 listed)
- Bilateral adhesive capsulitis,
- Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,
- Malignancies,
- Heart diseases
- Infections
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) TherapyTo apply TECAR therapy, the patient will lie supine, with the passive electrode, a flexible rectangular stainless steel plate measuring 150 £ 200 mm, placed under the affected side's scapula. A rigid circular metallic electrode with a 60-mm diameter will be used as the active electrode. Using the resistive mode with the power of 8 to 10 mA, the active electrode will be circularly moved continuously for 10 minutes on the anterior-inferior shoulder capsule while the patient's arm will be held at the end existing range of abduction and external rotation. As well, a conductive cream will be used as a coupling medium between the electrodes and the skin. Based on the manufacturer's recommendation for safe performance, the TECAR intensity will be set as the most effective method, causing no pain based on each patient's feedback. | Device | Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy and stretching exercise group |
| Stretching exercisesWhile the patients were lying on the bed, they would receive cyclic (intermittent) stretching. Cyclic stretching is the application, release, and reapplication of a relatively short-duration stretch force repeatedly but progressively. Twenty seconds of stretching and 10 seconds of rest will be used 10 times in each of the following directions (flexion, scapular plane abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation) and stretch to target rotator cuff interval. | Other | Stretching exercise group, Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy and stretching exercise group |
Primary outcome
Glenohumeral External Rotation range of motion (ROM) in Adducted shoulder
Time frame: 1 month
To measure external rotation range of motion (ROM) with the shoulder adducted, the patient will be positioned in supine with the upper arm positioned at the side and the elbow flexed to 90°. The examiner will passively externally rotate the glenohumeral joint until end range is reached. Range of motion will be measured by placing the axis of the goniometer on the olecranon process. The stationary arm will be aligned with the vertical position. The movable arm will be aligned with the ulnar styloid process.
Glenohumeral External Rotation range of motion (ROM) in Abducted shoulder
Time frame: 1 month
External rotation range of motion (ROM) may also be measured with the shoulder abducted to 45° or to 90° in the frontal plane (if the patient has the available abduction ROM). The stationary arm of goniometer will be aligned with the vertical position. The movable arm will be aligned with the ulnar styloid process.
Glenohumeral Internal Rotation range of motion (ROM) in Abducted shoulder
Time frame: 1 month
Internal rotation range of motion (ROM) will be measured while the patient is positioned in supine, the shoulder abducted to 90°, and the elbow flexed to 90°. If glenohumeral abduction is less than 90°, a 45° abduction angle can be used. The examiner passively internally rotates the glenohumeral joint until end range is reached, ensuring that there is no scapular compensation. Range of motion will be measured by placing the axis of the goniometer on the olecranon process. The stationary arm will be aligned with the vertical position. The movable arm will be aligned with the ulnar styloid process
Shoulder Flexion range of motion (ROM)
Time frame: 1 month
To measure flexion range of motion (ROM), the patient will be positioned in supine with the arm rest at the side. The examiner will passively flex the shoulder until end range is reached (with no compensatory movements from the thorax and the lumbar spine). Range of motion will be measured by placing the axis of the goniometer on the greater tuberosity. The stationary arm will be aligned with the midline of the trunk. The movable arm will be aligned with the lateral epicondyle.
Shoulder Abduction range of motion (ROM)
Time frame: 1 month
To measure abduction range of motion (ROM), the patient will be positioned in supine with the arm comfortably by the side. The examiner passively abducts the shoulder until end range is reached (shoulder must remain in the same plane). Range of motion will be measured by placing the axis of the goniometer on the head of the humerus. The stationary arm will be aligned parallel with the midline of the sternum. The movable arm will be aligned with the midshaft of the humerus.
Shoulder extension range of motion (ROM)
Time frame: 1 month
To measure extension range of motion (ROM), the patient is positioned in prone position with the arm rest at the side. The examiner passively extends the shoulder until the end range is reached. Range of motion will be measured by placing the axis of the goniometer on the greater tuberosity. The stationary arm will be aligned with the midline of the trunk. The movable arm will be aligned with the lateral epicondyle.
2 secondary outcomes
Assessment of shoulder pain
Time frame: 1 month
Assessment of shoulder function
Time frame: 1 month
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 26 Aug 2026.
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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.
Mohamed A Mohamed, As.professor study director
Cairo University
Mona M Ibrahim, As.Professor study chair
Cairo 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 Transfer of Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) Therapy and Stretching exercises in people with Adhesive Capsulitis, run by Cairo University at 1 site in Egypt.
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 16 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 26 Aug 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 Egypt. 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 Mohamed H Nasser, Master (01007966818, Mohamed.hemiednasser@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Glenohumeral External Rotation range of motion (ROM) in Adducted shoulder (time frame: 1 month). The study lists 6 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 26 Aug 2026.