Comparing Low-Level Laser and Muscle Energy Techniques in Diabetic Frozen Shoulder

NCT07161622 | Not Yet Recruiting DMC FDA Device

• 1 other identifier: Zunaira
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 36
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

The current study is to evaluate the comparative effects of low-level laser therapy and muscle energy technique on pain, range of motion, and functional results in diabetic patients with frozen shoulder. This research aims to enhance the existing data on managing diabetes-related musculoskeletal issues by assessing the comparative advantages of various therapies, therefore assisting physicians in choosing appropriate, patient-centred rehabilitation procedures.

Conditions

Frozen Shoulder

Keywords

Frozen shoulder; Low-Level Laser Therapy; Muscle Energy Technique,; Range of Motion; Diabetes

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Shoulder function

  Measured using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, a validated patient-reported outcome measure assessing disability and symptoms related to upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. Higher scores indicate greater disability.

  Baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after intervention initiation.

Study Arms (2)

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) + Conventional Therapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received LLLT with a Ga-Al-As diode laser (830 nm, 100 mW) applied to anterior capsule, posterior capsule, and subacromial area (4 J/cm² per site, 60-90 sec each), three times per week for 8 weeks. Along with LLLT, all participants received conventional therapy (moist heat, pendulum exercises, passive/active-assisted ROM, isometric strengthening, and postural correction training).

Other: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT); Other: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Conventional Therapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received MET for shoulder muscle groups (internal/external rotators, flexors, extensors). Each contraction was \~20% effort, held for 10 sec, followed by 5 sec relaxation and passive stretch to a new end range. Three to five cycles per group, \~20 minutes/session, three times per week for 8 weeks. Along with MET, all participants received the same conventional therapy as Arm A.

Other: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT); Other: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Interventions

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) OTHER

Participants received LLLT using a gallium-aluminium-arsenide (Ga-Al-As) diode laser device (BTL-5000, UK). The laser operated at a wavelength of 830 nm and a power output of 100 mW. Irradiation was applied at three sites (anterior capsule, posterior capsule, subacromial area) using a stationary-contact technique for 60-90 seconds each, delivering 4 J/cm² per site. Sessions were administered three times weekly for eight weeks. Conventional Therapy (for both groups): 15 minutes of moist heat (Chattanooga Hydrocollator) Pendulum exercises Passive and active-assisted ROM exercises Isometric strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers Postural correction training

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) + Conventional Therapy; Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Conventional Therapy

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) OTHER

Participants received MET for major shoulder muscles (internal/external rotators, flexors, extensors). Each contraction was performed at \~20% of maximum effort, sustained for 10 seconds, followed by 5 seconds relaxation, and then passive stretch to new end range. Three to five cycles per muscle group were performed. Sessions lasted \~20 minutes, three times weekly for eight weeks. Conventional Therapy (same as Arm A): 15 minutes of moist heat Pendulum exercises Passive and active-assisted ROM exercises Isometric strengthening of rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers Postural correction training

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) + Conventional Therapy; Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Conventional Therapy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Eligible participants were male and female individuals aged 18 to 65 years with a verified diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus and clinical manifestations of frozen shoulder for at least three months. The diagnosis was determined by limited glenohumeral joint mobility, characterised by a decrease of ≥20° in a minimum of three active movements: flexion \<144°, abduction \<120°, and external rotation \<72°. Cases of both unilateral and bilateral nature were incorporated.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Lahore: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Bursitis; Diabetes Mellitus

Interventions

Low-Level Light Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Glucose Metabolism Disorders; Metabolic Diseases; Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases; Endocrine System Diseases

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Laser Therapy; Therapeutics; Phototherapy

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Dr. Aqsa Majeed

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 5, 2025
• First Posted: September 8, 2025
• Study Start: October 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: February 1, 2026
• Study Completion: February 1, 2026
• Last Updated: September 18, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-09