Nunchaku exercise to improve frozen shoulder
Effects of Nunchaku Exercise on Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) in Middle-aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether nunchaku exercises help reduce pain and improve shoulder movement in middle-aged and older adults with frozen shoulder compared with standard shoulder exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07486193 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This assessor-blinded, randomized, two-arm trial will enroll 50 ethnic Chinese adults aged 45 years or older with adhesive capsulitis in the thawing phase and randomize them 1:1 to a nunchaku exercise program or a standard shoulder mobilization and stretching exercise (SMSE) program. Participants will join small group exercise classes for 12 weeks and be evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks for shoulder pain, range of motion, and adherence to home practice. The nunchaku program emphasizes rhythmic, multiplanar arm motions and dynamic stabilization intended to promote end-range stretching and neuromuscular retraining, while the comparator uses conventional mobilization and stretching techniques. Outcomes will compare clinical improvement and whether the nunchaku approach leads to better intrinsic motivation and adherence than standard exercises.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are ethnic Chinese adults aged 45 years or older with a diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis in the thawing stage who can safely participate in group-based exercise.
Not a fit: Patients with secondary causes of shoulder stiffness (for example recent trauma, full-thickness rotator cuff tear, severe arthritis, recent surgery), recent shoulder treatments that affect short-term outcomes, or who cannot perform or attend exercise sessions are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the nunchaku program could reduce pain, improve shoulder movement, and increase adherence to home exercises for people with frozen shoulder.
How similar studies have performed: This nunchaku-based approach is novel with limited direct prior evidence, although conventional exercise and motor-retraining programs have shown benefit for adhesive capsulitis.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ethnic Chinese; * Age 45 years or above; * Diagnosed with Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) and currently in the thawing stage. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of secondary causes of shoulder stiffness, including recent trauma, post-surgical stiffness, or structural lesions such as full-thickness rotator cuff tears or severe glenohumeral arthritis; * Receipt of recent shoulder treatments known to influence short-term outcomes, including corticosteroid injections within the past three months, hydrodilatation, manipulation under anesthesia, arthroscopic capsular release within the past six months, or structured shoulder physiotherapy within the past three months; * Presence of somatic conditions that limit their ability to participate safely in exercise (e.g., inability to walk without an assistive device).
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Angus Pak-Hung Yu, PhD
- Email: phayu@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: (852) 39435253
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.