Cross Training for Frozen Shoulder: Seeing if Unilateral Resistance Helps One Arm

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study will enroll adults with unilateral frozen shoulder and compare a standard physical therapy approach to a cross-education resistance program that trains the non-affected arm. The goal is to see if training the opposite arm can improve strength, range of motion, daily activities, and quality of life for the affected shoulder. Outcomes include muscle strength, upper-extremity function, joint motion, and daily living measures, collected at a Malatya clinic between February and December 2026. Participants are selected non-randomly and provide informed consent in line with Helsinki principles.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Having a diagnosis of unilateral primary or secondary frozen shoulder.
* Range of motion in external rotation, abduction, or flexion reduced by less than 50% in at least one of these directions compared to the unaffected shoulder.
* Loss of joint range of motion exceeding 30% in at least two movement planes compared to the unaffected shoulder.
* Aged between 18 and 65 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of a concomitant shoulder injury (e.g., rotator cuff tear).
* Osteoarthritis in both shoulders or in the acromioclavicular joint.
* Previous treatment for frozen shoulder.
* Psychiatric disorders that may interfere with adherence to medical or physical therapy.
* Presence of other neurological disorders.
* A score below 24 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Where it's running

• Battalgazi Devlet Hastanesi
  Malatya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Zeynal YASACI — Inonu University
• Study coordinator: Melisa İlhan
• Email: melisailhan09@gmail.com
• Phone: +905539712295

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.