Spinal Mobilization With Arm Movement and Kaltenborn Mobilization in Adhesive Capsulitis

NCT07724691 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: REC/RCR & AHS/25/0142
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Adhesive Capsulitis; Frozen Shoulder; Mulligan Mobilization; Spinal Mobilization; Shoulder Pain

Keywords

Adhesive capsulitis, Disability, Kaltenborn, Mulligan, Pain, Range of Motion

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• 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.

  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)

  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.

  6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Spinal Mobilization with Arm Movement

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

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

Kaltenborn Mobilization

EXPERIMENTAL

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

Interventions

Spinal Mobilization with Arm Movement OTHER

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

Spinal Mobilization with Arm Movement

Kaltenborn Mobilization OTHER

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

Kaltenborn Mobilization

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 30 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Age 35-50 years
• Both male and female genders
• Pain rating 3 to 7 on NPRS for at least 3 months
• Idiopathic frozen shoulder
• Stage II and III frozen shoulder
• Positive Apley's Scratch test
• Unilateral frozen shoulder
• Frozen shoulder with at least 25% restricted ROM
• Presence of global restriction in passive range of motion (PROM) in a capsular pattern (ER \> ABD \> IR)

You may not qualify if:

• Arthritic shoulder
• Rotator cuff disease
• Post-traumatic stiff shoulder
• Post-CABG shoulder-hand syndrome
• Post-stroke frozen shoulder
• Bilateral frozen shoulder
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Any fracture or other injury
• Any systemic illness
• Any inflammatory disease (Rheumatoid arthritis, gout)
• Any neurological disease
• Frozen Shoulder secondary to Brachial Plexus Injury, Parkinsonism, Ankylosis, Infection, or Arthroplasty
• Tendon calcification

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (2)

Alfalah Medical Center

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Jinnah Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, 54000, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Related Publications (10)

• 10. Umar M, Anwar A, Khan N, Marryam M, Rashid H. Effectiveness Of Kaltenborn Mobilization Versus Muscle Energy Technique On Shoulder Range Of Motion In Adhesive Capsulitis. Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College. 2023;27(3).

  BACKGROUND

• Pattnaik S, Kumar P, Sarkar B, Oraon AK. Comparison of Kaltenborn mobilization technique and muscle energy technique on range of motion, pain and function in subjects with chronic shoulder adhesive capsulitis. Hong Kong Physiother J. 2023 Dec;43(2):149-159. doi: 10.1142/S1013702523500166. Epub 2023 Jun 21.

  PMID: 37583922 BACKGROUND

• 8. Zohaib M, Anwar S. Comparison Of Kaltenborn Mobilization With Muscle Energy Technique In Patients With Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. International Journal of Physical Therapy Research & Practice. 2025;4(4):219-29.

  BACKGROUND

• 7. Shahzadi M, Tanveer S, Batool M, Sheikh SA, Faraz K, Fatima Z. Comparing Muscle Energy Technique and Kaltenborn-Evjenth Orthopaedic Manual Therapy: A Study on Effectiveness in Treating Chronic Low Back Pain. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research. 2023;3(2):1200-5.

  BACKGROUND

• Seo Y, Lee J, Han D. The effects of spinal mobilization with arm movements on shoulder muscle strengthening. J Phys Ther Sci. 2015 Jan;27(1):11-3. doi: 10.1589/jpts.27.11. Epub 2015 Jan 9.

  PMID: 25642026 BACKGROUND

• 5. Afzal F. Effectiveness of Kaltenborn Joint Mobilization Technique Versus Muscle Energy Technique on Pain and Disability in Patients with Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis. Journal of Clinical and Nursing Research. 2022;6(5).

  BACKGROUND

• 4. Sarwar N, Siddique S, Jawa R. Efficacy of Spencer Technique and Scapular Mobilization in the Management of Adhesive Capsulitis: A Narrative Review: Spencer Technique and Scapular Mobilization for Adhesive Capsulitis. Pakistan Journal of Rehabilitation. 2026;15(1):5-8.

  BACKGROUND

• Jacob L, Gyasi RM, Koyanagi A, Haro JM, Smith L, Kostev K. Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder in Older Adults from Germany. J Clin Med. 2023 Jan 14;12(2):669. doi: 10.3390/jcm12020669.

  PMID: 36675599 BACKGROUND

• Do JG, Hwang JT, Yoon KJ, Lee YT. Correlation of Ultrasound Findings With Clinical Stages and Impairment in Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021 May 10;9(5):23259671211003675. doi: 10.1177/23259671211003675. eCollection 2021 May.

  PMID: 33997079 BACKGROUND

• Leafblad N, Mizels J, Tashjian R, Chalmers P. Adhesive Capsulitis. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2023 May;34(2):453-468. doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2022.12.009. Epub 2023 Feb 28.

  PMID: 37003663 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Bursitis; Shoulder Pain; Pain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Arthralgia; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Annum Manzoor, MS OMPT

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Imran Amjad, PhD

CONTACT

03324390125; imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: In this single-blinded study, the outcome assessor will be blinded to ensure accuracy and reduce bias. The assessor will be an experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapist and will be familiar with the outcome tools used. Blinding will help prevent bias in the outcome assessment.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 21, 2026
• First Posted: July 24, 2026
• Study Start: July 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: August 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 1, 2026
• Last Updated: July 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (2)