Healthy Male and Female SubjectsNCT06910332
The Effect of Shoulder Mobilization on Muscle Strength and Proprioception: a Randomized Double-blind Study
A study testing Joint mobilization in people with Healthy Male and Female Subjects, run by Acibadem University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy Male and Female Subjects
- What is being tested?
- Joint mobilization
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 May 2025to 30 Jun 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy university students aged 18-25 years.
Who cannot join
- 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.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Acıbadem University Kerem Aydınlar Campus
Ataşehir, Istanbul, 34752
About this study
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.
Read the 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
- Being tested
- Joint mobilization, Sham
- Keywords
- mobilization, proprioception, strength, shoulder
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Joint mobilizationOther
Also called Shoulder joint mobilization, Shoulder joint glides
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.
ShamOther
Also called Sham mobilization, Sham shoulder mobilization
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.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Mobilization Group | Experimental | Participants receive passive shoulder joint mobilization targeting the glenohumeral joint. Receives: Other: Joint mobilization |
| Sham Group | Sham comparator | Participants undergo a placebo procedure where the practitioner mimics the mobilization technique without applying actual joint movement or distraction. Receives: Other: Sham |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Proprioception
Laser pointer-assisted joint position reproduction test for shoulder:
A laser pointer is strapped 5 cm above the lateral epicondyle. Participants actively move their arm to a predefined position (90° flexion or abduction), and the laser projection is marked.
After lowering their arm and closing their eyes, they attempt to replicate the same position.
The difference between the initial and reproduced positions (in millimeters) is measured
Measured: Before the intervention
Proprioception
Laser pointer-assisted joint position reproduction test for shoulder:
A laser pointer is strapped 5 cm above the lateral epicondyle. Participants actively move their arm to a predefined position (90° flexion or abduction), and the laser projection is marked.
After lowering their arm and closing their eyes, they attempt to replicate the same position.
The difference between the initial and reproduced positions (in millimeters) is measured
Measured: Immediately after intervention
Secondary outcomes (2)
Muscle Strength
Hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette) Muscle strength will be measured using a hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette). The assessment will focus on the shoulder flexors, abductors, internal rotators, and external rotators. Three measurements for each muscle group will be taken, and the average value will be recorded in kilograms (kg).
Measured: Before the intervention
Muscle Strength
Hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette) Muscle strength will be measured using a hand-held dynamometer (Lafayette). The assessment will focus on the shoulder flexors, abductors, internal rotators, and external rotators. Three measurements for each muscle group will be taken, and the average value will be recorded in kilograms (kg).
Measured: Immediately after intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Apr 2025
- Study start1 May 2025
- Primary completion30 Jun 2025
- Study completion30 Jun 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Healthy Male and Female SubjectsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Acibadem UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned to either the shoulder mobilization group or the sham mobilization group, and they remain in their assigned group throughout the study. This design allows for a direct comparison of the acute effects of mobilization on muscle strength and proprioception.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Acibadem University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06910332
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ACU-FTR-AOA
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 28 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 9 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Demographic Data: Age and gender, Outcome Measures Data: Muscle strength values recorded using the hand-held dynamometer for each muscle group (shoulder flexors, abductors, internal rotators, external rotators). Proprioception data measured by the laser pointer-assisted joint position reproduction test, including the distance (in millimeters) between the initial and reproduced positions for both shoulder flexion and abduction. Group Assignment Data: Whether the participant was assigned to the mobilization group or the sham intervention group. Intervention Data: Details of the intervention received, including whether they underwent shoulder mobilization or placebo procedure. Timing of Measurements: Pre- and post-intervention data for both muscle strength and proprioception assessments.
Publications
Acar AO, Amani A, Ishani S, Einollahi K, Babayeva R. Shoulder joint mobilization does not acutely affect strength or proprioception in healthy individuals. Sci Rep. 2026 Jan 17;16(1):4623. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-34680-2.
PubMed 41547871
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Shoulder Mobilization on Muscle Strength and Proprioception: a Randomized Double-blind Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06910332
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ACU-FTR-AOA
- Conditions
- Healthy Male and Female Subjects
- Keywords
- mobilization, proprioception, strength, shoulder
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Acibadem UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Jun 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 9 Dec 2025
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned to either the shoulder mobilization group or the sham mobilization group, and they remain in their assigned group throughout the study. This design allows for a direct comparison of the acute effects of mobilization on muscle strength and proprioception.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Mobilization Group | Experimental | Other: Joint mobilizationParticipants receive passive shoulder joint mobilization targeting the glenohumeral joint. |
| Sham Group | Sham comparator | Other: ShamParticipants undergo a placebo procedure where the practitioner mimics the mobilization technique without applying actual joint movement or distraction. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Healthy university students aged 18-25 years.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- 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.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Joint mobilizationAlso: Shoulder joint mobilization, Shoulder joint glidesParticipants 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. | Other | Mobilization Group |
| ShamAlso: Sham mobilization, Sham shoulder mobilizationIn 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. | Other | Sham Group |
Primary outcome
Proprioception
Time frame: Before the intervention
Laser pointer-assisted joint position reproduction test for shoulder: A laser pointer is strapped 5 cm above the lateral epicondyle. Participants actively move their arm to a predefined position (90° flexion or abduction), and the laser projection is marked. After lowering their arm and closing their eyes, they attempt to replicate the same position. The difference between the initial and reproduced positions (in millimeters) is measured
Proprioception
Time frame: Immediately after intervention
Laser pointer-assisted joint position reproduction test for shoulder: A laser pointer is strapped 5 cm above the lateral epicondyle. Participants actively move their arm to a predefined position (90° flexion or abduction), and the laser projection is marked. After lowering their arm and closing their eyes, they attempt to replicate the same position. The difference between the initial and reproduced positions (in millimeters) is measured
2 secondary outcomes
Muscle Strength
Time frame: Before the intervention
Muscle Strength
Time frame: Immediately after intervention
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Dec 2025.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41547871Acar AO, Amani A, Ishani S, Einollahi K, Babayeva R. Shoulder joint mobilization does not acutely affect strength or proprioception in healthy individuals. Sci Rep. 2026 Jan 17;16(1):4623. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-34680-2.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Demographic Data: Age and gender, Outcome Measures Data: Muscle strength values recorded using the hand-held dynamometer for each muscle group (shoulder flexors, abductors, internal rotators, external rotators). Proprioception data measured by the laser pointer-assisted joint position reproduction test, including the distance (in millimeters) between the initial and reproduced positions for both shoulder flexion and abduction. Group Assignment Data: Whether the participant was assigned to the mobilization group or the sham intervention group. Intervention Data: Details of the intervention received, including whether they underwent shoulder mobilization or placebo procedure. Timing of Measurements: Pre- and post-intervention data for both muscle strength and proprioception assessments.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Joint mobilization in people with Healthy Male and Female Subjects, run by Acibadem University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 9 Dec 2025). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Proprioception (time frame: Before the intervention). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06910332, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Dec 2025.