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

University of Lahore

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Frozen Shoulder

Treatments: Other: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT); Other: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07161622

Zunaira

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 36 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• 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.

Exclusion criteria

• 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

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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36 participants in 2 patient groups

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) + Conventional Therapy

Experimental group

Description:

Participants received LLLT with a Ga-Al-As diode laser (830 nm, 100 mW) applied to anterior capsule, posterior capsule, and subacromial area (4 J/cm² per site, 60-90 sec each), three times per week for 8 weeks. Along with LLLT, all participants received conventional therapy (moist heat, pendulum exercises, passive/active-assisted ROM, isometric strengthening, and postural correction training).

Treatment:

Other: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Other: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Conventional Therapy

Experimental group

Description:

Participants received MET for shoulder muscle groups (internal/external rotators, flexors, extensors). Each contraction was \~20% effort, held for 10 sec, followed by 5 sec relaxation and passive stretch to a new end range. Three to five cycles per group, \~20 minutes/session, three times per week for 8 weeks. Along with MET, all participants received the same conventional therapy as Arm A.

Treatment:

Other: Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Other: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)