NCT06673745

Brief Summary

Children who experience fractures may develop stiffness and limited range of motion in their affected joints, notably the elbow. Although conventional rehabilitation approaches have demonstrated some effectiveness, innovative methods like Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Dynamic Cupping hold promise for enhancing outcomes. These techniques represent emerging therapies aimed at improving range of motion and function across different musculoskeletal conditions. However, there is a lack of comparative research examining their efficacy specifically in pediatric patients with post-fracture elbow stiffness

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
28

participants targeted

Target at below P25 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Sep 2024

Shorter than P25 for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

September 24, 2024

Completed
1 month until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

November 3, 2024

Completed
2 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

November 5, 2024

Completed
2 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

December 25, 2024

Completed
1 day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

December 26, 2024

Completed
Last Updated

January 3, 2025

Status Verified

January 1, 2025

Enrollment Period

3 months

First QC Date

November 3, 2024

Last Update Submit

January 1, 2025

Conditions

Keywords

elbowpost fracture stiffness

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

  • Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire

    Function was assessed by the Disability of arm shoulder and hand questionnaire (DASH) (Reliability- ICC- 0.96; validity- 0.70), which is a 30-item patient-reported questionnaire, which can rate difficulty and interference with function on a 5-point Likert scale used to evaluate impairments, activity limitations, as well as participation restrictions in both leisure activities and work due to elbow dysfunction, regardless of which arm is affected. The scores for all items are then summed up to a scale score, where higher scores indicate higher disability

    6 weeks

  • Goniometer Measurement for Range of motion

    Universal goniometer is a device which is used to measure the range of motion of the joint. It has both art and science of measuring joint plane by 2 form. It has short and long arm. It has 3 parts Center part is known as fulcrum or axis with two arms. One is moving arm and the other is stationary or fixed arm. ROM of the elbow joint and forearm was measured using the universal half goniometer (Reliability-ICC-0.53-0.97.) Positions used to measure elbow flexion-extension were in supine position, whereas the forearm pronation-supination was done in sitting position .

    6 weeks

  • Numeric Pain rating Scale

    Numeric pain rating scale is a subjective measure 11 point numerical scale which is used to measure pain. Is scoring range In this scale 0 shows no pain and 10 shows worst pain imaginable. It has good reliability of 0.79 and validity of 0.96. (26)

    6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Instrumental assisted soft tissue mobilization

EXPERIMENTAL

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and dynamic cupping are manual therapy techniques used to address soft tissue restrictions and improve joint mobility and function. In the context of children with post-fracture elbow stiffness, these techniques can have several physiological effects. (14) This process involves the use of specialized tools to apply pressure and friction to the affected soft tissues. Which can help break down scar tissue and adhesions that may have formed following the fracture, allowing for improved tissue flexibility and mobility. This can stimulate blood flow to the area, promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation

Other: IASTM

Dynamic cupping therapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Dynamic cupping, on the other hand, utilizes suction cups placed on the skin to create negative pressure. This can help stretch and release tight muscles and fascia, increasing tissue flexibility and reducing stiffness. The rhythmic movement of the cups which can also stimulate lymphatic drainage and promote circulation, this will increase the removal of metabolic waste products and will also reduce swelling. (16) Both the techniques can help address the underlying soft tissue restrictions and joint stiffness commonly seen following a fracture. By improving tissue flexibility reducing inflammation, and enhancing circulation IASTM and dynamic cupping can contribute to restoring normal elbow range of motion and function in children with post fracture elbow stiffness. Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization is one of the recently used popular myofascial intervention. It is known to improve the range of motion, function and improvestrigger point of the muscles. In recent studies it i

Other: Dynamic cupping therapy

Interventions

IASTMOTHER

Group A received IASTM treatment, which will be given by the "Edge tool", that is an ergonomically designed stainless steel instrument and offers several different hand holds, eliminating operator fatigue. Prior to the treatment, the IASTM therapeutic effects will be explained. The scanning assessment will be done to identify areas of restrictions directed by the gritty sensations using the Edge tool. Each restriction will be treated with the tool for 30-60 sec and given. This treatment will be given for 30 minutes for 3 days per week for 4 weeks

Instrumental assisted soft tissue mobilization

On the contrary, group B the patient will be seated in a chair with the elbow flexed on the plinth to relax the forearm muscles. The area around the elbow joint will be cleaned with alcohol to remove any foreign bodies from the treated area. Dynamic cupping therapy for elbow stiffness will begin with an assessment of the patient\'s condition, where factors such as the extent of stiffness and range of motion in the elbow joint will be evaluated. Following this assessment, lubricant will be applied to the skin surrounding the elbow to facilitate smooth movement of the cups. Cups of suitable size and material will then be strategically placed around the elbow joint, and suction will be created inside each cup to create a vacuum effect. Once thesecurely attached, the practitioner will move them around the elbow area using gentle techniques such as gliding or pumping motions.

Dynamic cupping therapy

Eligibility Criteria

Age6 Years - 16 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersNo
Age GroupsChild (0-17)

You may qualify if:

  • Age from 6 to 15 years (23)
  • Both genders Participant with elbow postoperative stiffness with loss of extension of ≥-30 degrees and/or flexion ≤120 degrees Participant with at least 6-week post-surgery with open reduction and internal fixation done for either of the following fractures.

You may not qualify if:

  • Participants who declined consent.
  • Participants who had pathological fractures, associated ipsilateral injuries, bilateral upper extremity injuries, neuro-vascular disorders, heterotrophic ossification, and contraindications for IASTM

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Riphah International University Lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54700, Pakistan

Location

Related Publications (1)

  • Aksan Sadikoglu B, Analay Akbaba Y, Taskiran H. Effects of ischemic compression and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization techniques in trigger point therapy in patients with rotator cuff pathology: randomized controlled study. Somatosens Mot Res. 2022 Mar;39(1):70-80. doi: 10.1080/08990220.2021.2005015. Epub 2021 Nov 24.

    PMID: 34818976BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Fractures, Bone

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Wounds and Injuries

Study Officials

  • Sana Aziz, MS

    Riphah International University

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
SINGLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT
Masking Details
This will be a randomized upping c clinical trial on 28 participant on 6 to 15 years group A will get instrument assisted soft tissue mobilisation and group B will get dynamic
Purpose
OTHER
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Model Details: This will be a randomized clinical trail conducted on 28 participants of age 6 to 15 years .group A will get instrument assisted soft issue mobilisation and group B will get dynamic cupping therapy
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

November 3, 2024

First Posted

November 5, 2024

Study Start

September 24, 2024

Primary Completion

December 25, 2024

Study Completion

December 26, 2024

Last Updated

January 3, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-01

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and dynamic cupping are manual therapy techniques used to address soft tissue restrictions and improve joint mobility and function. In the context of children with post-fracture elbow stiffness, these techniques can have several physiological effects. (14) This process involves the use of specialized tools to apply pressure and friction to the affected soft tissues. Which can help break down scar tissue and adhesions that may have formed following the fracture, allowing for improved tissue flexibility and mobility. This can stimulate blood flow to the area, promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation. (15) Dynamic cupping, on the other hand, utilizes suction cups placed on the skin to create negative pressure. This can help stretch and release tight muscles and fascia, increasing tissue flexibility and reducing stiffness. The rhythmic movement of the cups which can also stimulate lymphatic drainage and promote circulation, thi

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