Nunchaku exercise to improve frozen shoulder

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.