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

ConditionFrozen Shoulder

Trial statusNot yet recruiting

Trial phaseNot applicable

Trial typeInterventional

Biological sexAll

Age18-65

SponsorUniversity of Lahore

About this trial

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.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

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.

Disqualifiers

The exclusion criteria included a history of traumatic shoulder injury or prior surgery; neurological involvement, such as brachial plexus injury or cervical radiculopathy; rotator cuff tears or other ligamentous pathologies; tumours or malignancies affecting the shoulder; and corticosteroid injection within the preceding three months

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

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

Treatment groups

36 Participants

are divided into 2 treatment groups

Group A: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) + Conventional TherapyExperimental treatment 2 interventions

Group B: Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Conventional TherapyExperimental treatment 2 interventions

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

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.

Time frame

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

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

University of Lahore

Lead sponsor

Source ClinicalTrials.gov

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