Rotator Cuff TendonitisNCT07921017
Effects of Cervicothoracic Mobilization in Patients With Supraspinatus Tendinitis
A study testing Cervicothoracic Junction Mobilization and Traditional Physical Therapy in people with Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study aims to evaluate the effects of cervicothoracic junction mobilization on pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and disability in patients with supraspinatus tendinitis. A randomized controlled trial will include 62 participants divided into experimental and control groups. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 45 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- What is being tested?
- Cervicothoracic Junction Mobilization and Traditional Physical Therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 62 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 29 Oct 2026to Jan 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 25 to 45 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male and female patients both are included age ranging from 25 to 45 years.
- Diagnosis confirmed through Jobe's Test (Empty can) and characteristic signs and symptoms of supraspinatus tendinitis.
Who cannot join
- History of any previous surgical intervention involving the shoulder.
- Shoulder joint instability due to causes other than supraspinatus pathology.
- Presence of acromioclavicular joint arthritis.
- Participants were excluded if they had osteoporosis, spinal fractures, or tumors.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Itefaq Hospital and PMC by Dr. Waqar Ali
Lahore, Punjab Province, 54700
Dr. Ali Raza, MS, 03326099065, dralirazapt@gmail.com
Zarish Fatima, MS OMPT
About this study
Official title: Effects of Cervicothoracic Mobilization on Shoulder Pain, Range of Motion, and Disability in Patients With Supraspinatus Tendinitis
This study aims to evaluate the effects of cervicothoracic junction mobilization on pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and disability in patients with supraspinatus tendinitis. A randomized controlled trial will include 62 participants divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group will receive cervicothoracic mobilization alongside conventional physiotherapy, while the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy only. Outcomes will be assessed using NPRS, a goniometer, and SPADI. Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS, with results reported after data collection and analysis.
Read the detailed description
Supraspinatus tendinitis is a frequent cause of shoulder pain and functional impairment and may be influenced by dysfunction in the cervicothoracic region. Mobilization of the cervicothoracic junction has been suggested to improve shoulder symptoms by enhancing regional mobility and neuromuscular control; however, evidence in patients with supraspinatus tendinitis remains limited. This study will evaluate the effects of cervicothoracic junction mobilization on shoulder pain, range of motion (ROM), and disability in patients with supraspinatus tendinitis. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with 62 participants diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinitis, recruited via convenience sampling after written informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups (31each) using a computer-generated sequence by a blinded assistant, concealed in opaque envelopes. Group A (Experimental) will receive cervicothoracic mobilization (C6T4) using Maitland's Grade III-IV central PA and transverse oscillatory techniques, alongside conventional physiotherapy. Group B (Control) will receive conventional physiotherapy only, including moist heat (10 min), Codman's pendulum, stretching, scapular setting, and open-chain TheraBand resistance exercises. Outcomes-pain (NPRS), shoulder range of motion (goniometer), and disability (SPADI)-will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data will be analyzed using an independent t-test in IBM SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. Will be given after Data Collection.
- Conditions
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- Being tested
- Cervicothoracic Junction Mobilization, Traditional Physical Therapy
- Keywords
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy, Manual Therapy, ROM, Disability, Shoulder Pain
- Medical subject headings
- Rotator Cuff Injuries, Shoulder Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Cervicothoracic Junction MobilizationOther
Participants will receive Maitland-based rhythmic oscillatory mobilizations, including central posterior-anterior and transverse techniques applied to the cervicothoracic region (C6-T4), on every alternate day in addition to the same physiotherapy program provided to the control group over six weeks.
Traditional Physical TherapyOther
Cryotherapy for 10 minutes for the first 2 days. Codman exercises: 10 repetitions of each movement, 3 days/week, a strengthening protocol for the rotator cuff muscles and scapula.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cervicothoracic Junction Mobilization | Experimental | This group will receive Maitland-based rhythmic oscillatory mobilizations, including central posterior-anterior and transverse techniques applied to the cervicothoracic region (C6-T4). Receives: Other: Cervicothoracic Junction Mobilization |
| Traditional physiotherapy | Active comparator | A standard physical therapy protocol is given to the participants in this group Receives: Other: Traditional Physical Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
It is a scale to measure pain, where 0 indicates no pain, and 10 indicates the worst pain possible.
Measured: 4rth week
Shoulder Pain And Disability Index (SPADI)
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess shoulder pain and disability in daily activities. It consists of 13 items divided into two subscales: pain (5 items) and disability (8 items), with higher scores indicating greater pain and functional limitation.
Measured: 4rth week
ROM Shoulder (Abduction)
Changes from ROM of Shoulder Abduction were taken with the help of a goniometer
Measured: 4rth week
ROM Shoulder (external rotation)
Changes from ROM of Shoulder External rotation were taken with the help of a goniometer
Measured: 4rth week
ROM shoulder (Flexion)
Changes from ROM of Shoulder Flexion were taken with the help of a goniometer
Measured: 4rth week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Nov 2026
- Study start29 Oct 2026
- Primary completion2 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionJan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Rotator Cuff TendonitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International 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
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Ali Raza, Mphill, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07921017
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0185
- Status last verified
- Nov 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Nov 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Bergman GJ, Winters JC, Groenier KH, Pool JJ, Meyboom-de Jong B, Postema K, van der Heijden GJ. Manipulative therapy in addition to usual medical care for patients with shoulder dysfunction and pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2004 Sep 21;141(6):432-9. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-141-6-200409210-00008.
PubMed 15381516Vila-Dieguez O, Heindel MD, Awokuse D, Kulig K, Michener LA. Exercise for rotator cuff tendinopathy: Proposed mechanisms of recovery. Shoulder Elbow. 2023 Jun;15(3):233-249. doi: 10.1177/17585732231172166. Epub 2023 May 4.
PubMed 37325389Liu S, Chen L, Shi Q, Fang Y, Da W, Xue C, Li X. Efficacy of manual therapy on shoulder pain and function in patients with rotator cuff injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Biomed Rep. 2024 Apr 11;20(6):89. doi: 10.3892/br.2024.1778. eCollection 2024 Jun.
PubMed 38682089Spargoli G. SUPRASPINATUS TENDON PATHOMECHANICS: A CURRENT CONCEPTS REVIEW. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Dec;13(6):1083-1094.
PubMed 30534473
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Cervicothoracic Mobilization on Shoulder Pain, Range of Motion, and Disability in Patients With Supraspinatus Tendinitis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07921017
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- REC/RCR&AHS/25/0185
- Conditions
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- Keywords
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy, Manual Therapy, ROM, Disability, Shoulder Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 29 Oct 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 2 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Nov 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.
This study aims to evaluate the effects of cervicothoracic junction mobilization on pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM), and disability in patients with supraspinatus tendinitis. A randomized controlled trial will include 62 participants divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group will receive cervicothoracic mobilization alongside conventional physiotherapy, while the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy only. Outcomes will be assessed using NPRS, a goniometer, and SPADI. Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS, with results reported after data collection and analysis.
Detailed description
Supraspinatus tendinitis is a frequent cause of shoulder pain and functional impairment and may be influenced by dysfunction in the cervicothoracic region. Mobilization of the cervicothoracic junction has been suggested to improve shoulder symptoms by enhancing regional mobility and neuromuscular control; however, evidence in patients with supraspinatus tendinitis remains limited. This study will evaluate the effects of cervicothoracic junction mobilization on shoulder pain, range of motion (ROM), and disability in patients with supraspinatus tendinitis. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with 62 participants diagnosed with supraspinatus tendinitis, recruited via convenience sampling after written informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups (31each) using a computer-generated sequence by a blinded assistant, concealed in opaque envelopes. Group A (Experimental) will receive cervicothoracic mobilization (C6T4) using Maitland's Grade III-IV central PA and transverse oscillatory techniques, alongside conventional physiotherapy. Group B (Control) will receive conventional physiotherapy only, including moist heat (10 min), Codman's pendulum, stretching, scapular setting, and open-chain TheraBand resistance exercises. Outcomes-pain (NPRS), shoulder range of motion (goniometer), and disability (SPADI)-will be assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data will be analyzed using an independent t-test in IBM SPSS, with significance set at p < 0.05. Will be given after Data Collection.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cervicothoracic Junction Mobilization | Experimental | Other: Cervicothoracic Junction MobilizationThis group will receive Maitland-based rhythmic oscillatory mobilizations, including central posterior-anterior and transverse techniques applied to the cervicothoracic region (C6-T4). |
| Traditional physiotherapy | Active comparator | Other: Traditional Physical TherapyA standard physical therapy protocol is given to the participants in this group |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 45 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Male and female patients both are included age ranging from 25 to 45 years.
- Diagnosis confirmed through Jobe's Test (Empty can) and characteristic signs and symptoms of supraspinatus tendinitis.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- History of any previous surgical intervention involving the shoulder.
- Shoulder joint instability due to causes other than supraspinatus pathology.
- Presence of acromioclavicular joint arthritis.
- Participants were excluded if they had osteoporosis, spinal fractures, or tumors.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Cervicothoracic Junction MobilizationParticipants will receive Maitland-based rhythmic oscillatory mobilizations, including central posterior-anterior and transverse techniques applied to the cervicothoracic region (C6-T4), on every alternate day in addition to the same physiotherapy program provided to the control group over six weeks. | Other | Cervicothoracic Junction Mobilization |
| Traditional Physical TherapyCryotherapy for 10 minutes for the first 2 days. Codman exercises: 10 repetitions of each movement, 3 days/week, a strengthening protocol for the rotator cuff muscles and scapula. | Other | Traditional physiotherapy |
Primary outcome
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time frame: 4rth week
It is a scale to measure pain, where 0 indicates no pain, and 10 indicates the worst pain possible.
Shoulder Pain And Disability Index (SPADI)
Time frame: 4rth week
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a self-reported questionnaire used to assess shoulder pain and disability in daily activities. It consists of 13 items divided into two subscales: pain (5 items) and disability (8 items), with higher scores indicating greater pain and functional limitation.
ROM Shoulder (Abduction)
Time frame: 4rth week
Changes from ROM of Shoulder Abduction were taken with the help of a goniometer
ROM Shoulder (external rotation)
Time frame: 4rth week
Changes from ROM of Shoulder External rotation were taken with the help of a goniometer
ROM shoulder (Flexion)
Time frame: 4rth week
Changes from ROM of Shoulder Flexion were taken with the help of a goniometer
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 6 Nov 2026.
- Background: PubMed 15381516Bergman GJ, Winters JC, Groenier KH, Pool JJ, Meyboom-de Jong B, Postema K, van der Heijden GJ. Manipulative therapy in addition to usual medical care for patients with shoulder dysfunction and pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Ann Intern Med. 2004 Sep 21;141(6):432-9. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-141-6-200409210-00008.
- Background: PubMed 37325389Vila-Dieguez O, Heindel MD, Awokuse D, Kulig K, Michener LA. Exercise for rotator cuff tendinopathy: Proposed mechanisms of recovery. Shoulder Elbow. 2023 Jun;15(3):233-249. doi: 10.1177/17585732231172166. Epub 2023 May 4.
- Background: PubMed 38682089Liu S, Chen L, Shi Q, Fang Y, Da W, Xue C, Li X. Efficacy of manual therapy on shoulder pain and function in patients with rotator cuff injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Biomed Rep. 2024 Apr 11;20(6):89. doi: 10.3892/br.2024.1778. eCollection 2024 Jun.
- Background: PubMed 30534473Spargoli G. SUPRASPINATUS TENDON PATHOMECHANICS: A CURRENT CONCEPTS REVIEW. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Dec;13(6):1083-1094.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Active, not recruiting
Eccentric Contraction Exercise For Shoulder Pain Syndrome
Shoulder Pain Syndrome, Rotator Cuff Syndrome
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.
Ali Raza, Mphill principal investigator
Riphah International 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 Cervicothoracic Junction Mobilization and Traditional Physical Therapy in people with Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, run by Riphah International University 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 2 inclusion and 4 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 6 Nov 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 Imran Amjad, Phd (03324390125, imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (time frame: 4rth week). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. 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 NCT07921017, which also lists 4 linked publications.
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 6 Nov 2026.