The Effect of Shoulder Mobilization on Muscle Strength and Proprioception: a Randomized Double-blind Study

NCT ID: NCT06910332

Last Updated: 2025-12-09

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 48 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-05-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-06-30

Brief Summary

This randomized, double-blind study examines the acute effects of shoulder mobilization on muscle strength and proprioception in healthy individuals. Forty-eight participants (aged 18-25) were randomly assigned to either a mobilization or sham intervention group. Muscle strength and proprioception were assessed before and after treatment. The mobilization group received passive shoulder joint glides, while the sham group underwent a placebo procedure. The study aims to determine whether mobilization affects strength and proprioception immediately.

Detailed Description

Summary of the Study

This randomized, double-blind study investigates the acute effects of shoulder joint mobilization on muscle strength and proprioception in healthy individuals compared to a sham intervention.

Background:

The shoulder joint is highly mobile and prone to injury, with rehabilitation often including manual therapy techniques like joint mobilization. Mobilization may enhance joint stability, neuromuscular control, and proprioception by stimulating mechanoreceptors. However, its immediate effects on shoulder proprioception and strength remain unclear.

Methods:

Participants: 48 healthy university students (aged 18-25) randomly assigned to either the mobilization or sham group.

Assessments: Muscle strength (using a handheld dynamometer) and proprioception (laser pointer-assisted joint position reproduction test) were measured before and after the intervention.

Intervention: The mobilization group received passive shoulder joint glides, while the sham group underwent a placebo procedure without actual joint movement.

Conclusion:

This study aims to determine whether shoulder mobilization has immediate effects on proprioception and strength.

Conditions

Healthy Male and Female Subjects

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: BASIC_SCIENCE
• Blinding Strategy: DOUBLE

Study Groups

Mobilization Group

Participants receive passive shoulder joint mobilization targeting the glenohumeral joint.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Joint mobilization

Intervention Type: OTHER

Participants receive passive shoulder joint mobilization on the dominant-side glenohumeral joint. The mobilization includes inferior, anterior, and posterior glide techniques, each performed for 1 minute at a frequency of 0.5 Hz, with a 30-second rest between each mobilization. The participant is positioned comfortably to support the joint's range of motion.

Sham Group

Participants undergo a placebo procedure where the practitioner mimics the mobilization technique without applying actual joint movement or distraction.

Group Type: SHAM_COMPARATOR

Sham

Intervention Type: OTHER

In the sham intervention, the practitioner mimics the technique of shoulder mobilization but does not apply any actual movement or glide effect on the joint. The procedure is designed to closely resemble the real intervention in terms of duration, rhythm, and the practitioner's handling of the participant's shoulder. The practitioner will use superficial touch on the glenohumeral joint without applying any of the mobilizing forces necessary to move the joint.

Interventions

Joint mobilization

Participants receive passive shoulder joint mobilization on the dominant-side glenohumeral joint. The mobilization includes inferior, anterior, and posterior glide techniques, each performed for 1 minute at a frequency of 0.5 Hz, with a 30-second rest between each mobilization. The participant is positioned comfortably to support the joint's range of motion.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Sham

In the sham intervention, the practitioner mimics the technique of shoulder mobilization but does not apply any actual movement or glide effect on the joint. The procedure is designed to closely resemble the real intervention in terms of duration, rhythm, and the practitioner's handling of the participant's shoulder. The practitioner will use superficial touch on the glenohumeral joint without applying any of the mobilizing forces necessary to move the joint.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Other Intervention Names

Shoulder joint mobilization; Shoulder joint glides; Sham mobilization; Sham shoulder mobilization

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Healthy university students aged 18-25 years.

Exclusion Criteria

• Individuals with orthopedic problems in the shoulder complex.
• Those who have undergone previous shoulder surgery.
• Participants with prior knowledge of joint mobilization techniques that could affect the sham intervention.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 18 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 25 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Acibadem University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Locations

Acıbadem University Kerem Aydınlar Campus

Ataşehir, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Provided Documents

Document Type: Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan

View Document

Other Identifiers

ACU-FTR-AOA

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id