Adhesive CapsulitisHVLA-MET-ACNCT07600372
Effect of HVLA vs MET on Shoulder Mobility and Pain in Adhesive Cpsulitis
A study testing High Velocity Low Amplitude Thrust and Muscle Energy Technique in people with Adhesive Capsulitis, run by Green International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This study compared the effects of High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) thrust and Post-Isometric Relaxation Muscle Energy Technique (PIR-MET) on pain and shoulder mobility in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Sixty-six participants received either HVLA or PIR-MET with conventional physiotherapy for four weeks. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- What is being tested?
- High Velocity Low Amplitude Thrust and Muscle Energy Technique
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 66 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 9 Nov 2025to 6 May 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 40 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Participants diagnosed with Stage II or III Adhesive Capsulitis Age between 40 and 65 years Both male and female participants Presence of shoulder pain and restricted range of motion for at least 3 months Limitation of active and passive shoulder movements, particularly external rotation Willingness to participate and provide informed consent Ability to attend treatment sessions for four weeks
Who cannot join
- History of shoulder fracture, dislocation, or recent trauma Previous shoulder surgery Neurological disorders affecting shoulder function Rheumatoid arthritis or other systemic inflammatory conditions Cervical radiculopathy or referred pain from the cervical spine Rotator cuff tear or severe shoulder instability Malignancy or infection involving the shoulder joint Participants receiving other concurrent shoulder treatments Contraindications to manual therapy or physiotherapy interventions Unwillingness to participate or inability to complete the treatment protocol
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF HIGH-VELOCITY LOW-AMPLITUDE (HVLA) THRUST AND MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE (MET) ON SHOULDER MOBILITY AND PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS
This study compared the effects of High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) thrust and Post-Isometric Relaxation Muscle Energy Technique (PIR-MET) on pain and shoulder mobility in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Sixty-six participants received either HVLA or PIR-MET with conventional physiotherapy for four weeks. Both treatments improved pain and range of motion, but PIR-MET showed significantly greater improvement, making it a more effective approach for managing frozen shoulder symptoms.
Read the detailed description
This study compared the effectiveness of High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) thrust and Post-Isometric Relaxation Muscle Energy Technique (PIR-MET) in treating adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Sixty-six patients received either HVLA or PIR-MET along with conventional physiotherapy for four weeks. Both treatments improved pain and shoulder mobility, but PIR-MET showed significantly better results in reducing pain and increasing range of motion. The study concluded that PIR-MET is a more effective manual therapy technique for managing adhesive capsulitis and improving patients' functional recovery and quality of life.
- Conditions
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- Being tested
- High Velocity Low Amplitude Thrust, Muscle Energy Technique
- Keywords
- Adhesive Capsulitis, Frozen Shoulder, HVLA Thrust, PIR-MET, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Mobility, Manual
- Medical subject headings
- Bursitis, Shoulder Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
High Velocity Low Amplitude ThrustBehavioural
Also called HVLA Thrust
A manual therapy technique involving a quick, controlled thrust applied to the glenohumeral joint at the end of the available range of motion. The goal is to improve joint play and mobility. Each session lasted approximately 10-15 minutes. The intervention was performed 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study.
Muscle Energy TechniqueBehavioural
Also called MET
An active manual therapy technique where the patient contracts the shoulder muscles against the therapist's resistance, followed by a passive stretch. Target muscles included the posterior capsule, pectoralis major, and rotator cuff as indicated. Each session lasted approximately 15-20 minutes. The intervention was performed 3 times per week for 12 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group A- HVLA Thrust | Experimental | Participants in this group received high velocity, low amplitude thrust manipulation to the glenohumeral joint. Treatment was delivered by a trained physical therapist. The intervention aimed to restore joint mobility and reduce pain in patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. Sessions were conducted 3 times per week for 12 weeks, in addition to a standardized home exercise program. Receives: Behavioral: High Velocity Low Amplitude Thrust |
| Group-B MET | Experimental | Participants in this group received muscle energy technique applied to the shoulder muscles to improve range of motion and decrease pain. The technique involved active contraction of the patient against manual resistance followed by stretching. Sessions were conducted 3 times per week for 12 weeks, in addition to a standardized home exercise program. Receives: Behavioral: Muscle Energy Technique |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for Pain
Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a 10 cm scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants marked their perceived shoulder pain level before and after the four-week intervention period.
Measured: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 May 2026
- Study start9 Nov 2025
- Primary completion29 Apr 2026
- Study completion6 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Adhesive CapsulitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- This study used a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design. A total of 66 participants diagnosed with Stage II or III Adhesive Capsulitis were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A received High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation combined with conventional physiotherapy, while Group B received Post-Isometric Relaxation Muscle Energy Technique (PIR-MET) combined with conventional physiotherapy. Both groups underwent treatment sessions for four weeks. Conventional physiotherapy included moist heat application, range-of-motion exercises, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and shoulder range of motion measured using a universal goniometer before and after the intervention period.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Green International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Memoona Saleem, Green International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07600372
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- GIU/REC/26-24
- Acronym
- HVLA-MET-AC
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 14 May 2026
- Last updated
- 20 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Only IPD used in the result publication will be shared
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 20 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF HIGH-VELOCITY LOW-AMPLITUDE (HVLA) THRUST AND MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE (MET) ON SHOULDER MOBILITY AND PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07600372
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HVLA-MET-AC / GIU/REC/26-24
- Conditions
- Adhesive Capsulitis
- Keywords
- Adhesive Capsulitis, Frozen Shoulder, HVLA Thrust, PIR-MET, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Mobility, Manual
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 66 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Green International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 9 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 29 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 6 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 20 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study compared the effects of High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) thrust and Post-Isometric Relaxation Muscle Energy Technique (PIR-MET) on pain and shoulder mobility in patients with adhesive capsulitis. Sixty-six participants received either HVLA or PIR-MET with conventional physiotherapy for four weeks. Both treatments improved pain and range of motion, but PIR-MET showed significantly greater improvement, making it a more effective approach for managing frozen shoulder symptoms.
Detailed description
This study compared the effectiveness of High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) thrust and Post-Isometric Relaxation Muscle Energy Technique (PIR-MET) in treating adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder). Sixty-six patients received either HVLA or PIR-MET along with conventional physiotherapy for four weeks. Both treatments improved pain and shoulder mobility, but PIR-MET showed significantly better results in reducing pain and increasing range of motion. The study concluded that PIR-MET is a more effective manual therapy technique for managing adhesive capsulitis and improving patients' functional recovery and quality of life.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- This study used a parallel-group randomized controlled trial design. A total of 66 participants diagnosed with Stage II or III Adhesive Capsulitis were randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A received High-Velocity Low-Amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation combined with conventional physiotherapy, while Group B received Post-Isometric Relaxation Muscle Energy Technique (PIR-MET) combined with conventional physiotherapy. Both groups underwent treatment sessions for four weeks. Conventional physiotherapy included moist heat application, range-of-motion exercises, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and shoulder range of motion measured using a universal goniometer before and after the intervention period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group A- HVLA Thrust | Experimental | Behavioral: High Velocity Low Amplitude ThrustParticipants in this group received high velocity, low amplitude thrust manipulation to the glenohumeral joint. Treatment was delivered by a trained physical therapist. The intervention aimed to restore joint mobility and reduce pain in patients diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. Sessions were conducted 3 times per week for 12 weeks, in addition to a standardized home exercise program. |
| Group-B MET | Experimental | Behavioral: Muscle Energy TechniqueParticipants in this group received muscle energy technique applied to the shoulder muscles to improve range of motion and decrease pain. The technique involved active contraction of the patient against manual resistance followed by stretching. Sessions were conducted 3 times per week for 12 weeks, in addition to a standardized home exercise program. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Participants diagnosed with Stage II or III Adhesive Capsulitis Age between 40 and 65 years Both male and female participants Presence of shoulder pain and restricted range of motion for at least 3 months Limitation of active and passive shoulder movements, particularly external rotation Willingness to participate and provide informed consent Ability to attend treatment sessions for four weeks
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- History of shoulder fracture, dislocation, or recent trauma Previous shoulder surgery Neurological disorders affecting shoulder function Rheumatoid arthritis or other systemic inflammatory conditions Cervical radiculopathy or referred pain from the cervical spine Rotator cuff tear or severe shoulder instability Malignancy or infection involving the shoulder joint Participants receiving other concurrent shoulder treatments Contraindications to manual therapy or physiotherapy interventions Unwillingness to participate or inability to complete the treatment protocol
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 |
|---|---|---|
| High Velocity Low Amplitude ThrustAlso: HVLA ThrustA manual therapy technique involving a quick, controlled thrust applied to the glenohumeral joint at the end of the available range of motion. The goal is to improve joint play and mobility. Each session lasted approximately 10-15 minutes. The intervention was performed 3 times per week for 12 weeks. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study. | Behavioural | Group A- HVLA Thrust |
| Muscle Energy TechniqueAlso: METAn active manual therapy technique where the patient contracts the shoulder muscles against the therapist's resistance, followed by a passive stretch. Target muscles included the posterior capsule, pectoralis major, and rotator cuff as indicated. Each session lasted approximately 15-20 minutes. The intervention was performed 3 times per week for 12 weeks. | Behavioural | Group-B MET |
Primary outcome
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for Pain
Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention
Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a 10 cm scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants marked their perceived shoulder pain level before and after the four-week intervention period.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 20 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Only IPD used in the result publication will be shared
Related trials for Adhesive Capsulitis
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Effects of Posterior Capsular Stretching With and Without Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises in Frozen Shoulder
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Spencer vs. Ola Grimsby Techniques With Scapular Motor Training in Idiopathic Adhesive Capsulitis
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OMT for Adhesive Capsulitis
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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 High Velocity Low Amplitude Thrust and Muscle Energy Technique in people with Adhesive Capsulitis, run by Green International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 1 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 20 May 2026. 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 Pakistan. 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. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
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?
Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for Pain (time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 20 May 2026.