An interventional study of Spinal Mobilization with Arm Movement and Kaltenborn Mobilization in Adhesive Capsulitis, Frozen Shoulder and Mulligan Mobilization, sponsored by Riphah International University. Recruiting at 2 sites in Pakistan. Open to participants aged 30 Years to 50 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-07-24.
Sponsored by Riphah International University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
To compare the effects of spinal mobilization with arm movement and Kaltenborn Mobilization on pain, range of motion, functional reaching, and disability in patients with Adhesive Capsulitis.
A randomized clinical trial compared the effectiveness of Kaltenborn mobilization and muscle energy techniques in individuals with adhesive capsulitis. Seventy-six participants were randomly allocated into two treatment groups. Pain, shoulder range of motion, and disability were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometry, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) at baseline and after four weeks of treatment. The findings demonstrated that Kaltenborn mobilization produced greater improvements in pain reduction, shoulder range of motion, and functional ability.
A quasi-experimental study evaluated the effects of Kaltenborn mobilization and muscle energy techniques in patients with chronic adhesive capsulitis. Participants received their respective manual therapy interventions in combination with conventional rehabilitation. Shoulder external rotation, shoulder abduction, pain intensity, and functional disability were assessed before and after treatment. The results indicated that Kaltenborn mobilization was more effective than muscle energy techniques in improving shoulder mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing functional outcomes.
A randomized controlled trial compared muscle energy techniques with Kaltenborn mobilization for improving shoulder range of motion in individuals with adhesive capsulitis. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and during follow-up using goniometric measurements. The findings showed that muscle energy techniques produced greater improvements in shoulder flexion and abduction, whereas rotational movements demonstrated no clear advantage over Kaltenborn mobilization.
A randomized clinical trial investigated the effects of Spinal Mobilization with Arm Movement (SMWAM) compared with the Maitland mobilization technique on shoulder function. Pain, shoulder range of motion, and muscle activity were evaluated before and after treatment. The results demonstrated that spinal mobilization with arm movement effectively reduced pain, normalized shoulder muscle activity, and increased shoulder range of motion.
A randomized controlled trial compared the effects of anterior and posterior Grade III Kaltenborn glides on shoulder function in patients with adhesive capsulitis. External rotation and functional ability were evaluated using goniometric measurements and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). The findings indicated that posterior gliding mobilization resulted in greater improvements in external rotation and shoulder function than anterior gliding.
A randomized controlled trial examined the immediate effects of Spinal Mobilization with Arm Movement (SMWAM) on shoulder performance. The intervention involved cervical spinal mobilization combined with repeated active arm abduction. The study reported immediate improvements in shoulder movement and suggested that SMWAM enhances shoulder function by correcting cervical spinal alignment and stimulating joint mechanoreceptors.
Although both Spinal Mobilization with Arm Movement (SMWAM) and Kaltenborn Mobilization have demonstrated beneficial effects in reducing pain and improving shoulder mobility, existing evidence has primarily evaluated these techniques independently or compared them with other manual therapy approaches. Direct comparative evidence between SMWAM and Kaltenborn Mobilization in individuals with adhesive capsulitis remains limited, particularly regarding their effects on pain, range of motion, functional reaching, and disability. Therefore, further comparative research is warranted to determine the more effective intervention for optimizing functional recovery in patients with adhesive capsulitis.
383 studies on the registry are indexed under Bursitis; 111 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 50 is above the median of 44 across 346 interventional studies indexed under Bursitis.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Participants will be seated upright while the therapist applies a sustained transverse glide to the C4 spinous process toward the side opposite the affected shoulder. The glide will be maintained as the participant actively abducts the affected arm to the pain-free or maximum tolerated range and returns to the starting position. The technique will be performed for 10 repetitions per session, ensuring controlled movement, proper posture, and patient comfort throughout the intervention.
Other: Spinal Mobilization with Arm Movement
Following the application of a moist hot pack, participants will receive Kaltenborn Grade I glenohumeral traction followed by Grade III ventral glide and Grade III caudal glide in the same treatment session. Each mobilization will be performed for 15 repetitions, with a 30-second sustained hold and 10-second rest between repetitions, for a total treatment time of approximately 10 minutes. The techniques will be applied in standardized patient positions with appropriate scapular stabilization to improve glenohumeral joint mobility, reduce pain, and increase shoulder range of motion.
Other: Kaltenborn Mobilization
Intervention: Spinal Mobilization with Arm Movement (SMWAM) Position: Participant seated upright with neutral spine and head posture Technique: Sustained transverse glide applied to the C4 spinous process toward the side opposite the affected shoulder during active shoulder abduction Movement: Active shoulder abduction to the pain-free or maximum tolerated range, followed by return to the starting position while maintaining the glide Dosage: 10 repetitions per session Purpose: To reduce pain, improve shoulder mobility, and enhance functional movement.
Also known as: SMWAM
Intervention: Kaltenborn Mobilization Technique (KMT) Pre-treatment: Moist hot pack application Techniques: Grade I glenohumeral traction, Grade III ventral glide, and Grade III caudal glide Dosage: 15 repetitions of each technique with a 30-second hold and 10-second rest between repetitions Duration: Approximately 10 minutes per session Purpose: To improve glenohumeral joint mobility, reduce pain, and increase shoulder range of motion.
Also known as: KMT
Pain by Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) is an 11-point self-reported scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst imaginable pain) used to assess pain intensity in clinical and research settings.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Range of Motion (External Rotation, Abduction, Internal Rotation)
A goniometer is a standard clinical instrument used to measure joint range of motion (ROM)
Time frame: 6 weeks
Functional Disability
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) is a 13-item self-administered questionnaire used to assess shoulder pain and functional disability.
Time frame: 6 weeks
Plan to share: No
Started Jul 2026 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for Aug 2026, 1 month after the start.
Of 217 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Bursitis, half reached primary completion within 10 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 5 and three quarters within 17. This study's planned 1 month is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 217 studies reached it within 10 months; a quarter within 5 and three quarters within 17.
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