Scooping mobilization versus dynamic cupping for post-fracture stiff elbows in children
Comparative Effects of Scooping Mobilization and Dynamic Cupping on Elbow Range of Motion and Function in Children With Elbow Stiffness
This trial will test whether scooping mobilization or dynamic cupping, each combined with electrotherapy, helps children aged 6–13 with post-fracture elbow stiffness improve range of motion, pain, and function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 13 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07482371 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized clinical trial at a single center in Lahore enrolling 28 children aged 6–13 with post-fracture elbow stiffness after at least three weeks of immobilization. Participants are randomly assigned to either scooping mobilization plus electrotherapy (2 minutes per session) or dynamic cupping plus electrotherapy (10 minutes per session), each delivered five days per week for four weeks. Range of motion will be measured with a goniometer and function/pain with the QuickDASH questionnaire before and after the intervention. Patients with neurological impairment, infections, tumors, metabolic bone disease, pathological fractures, or other musculoskeletal disorders are excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 6–13 with post-fracture elbow stiffness who have had at least three weeks of immobilization and no neurological, infectious, tumorous, metabolic bone, or other musculoskeletal contraindications.
Not a fit: Children with neurological impairment, active infection or tumor, metabolic bone disease, pathological fractures, or other excluded musculoskeletal disorders are unlikely to benefit from this protocol and were excluded from the trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatments could offer a simple, non-surgical way to reduce pain and improve elbow motion and daily function in children after fracture.
How similar studies have performed: Manual mobilization techniques and cupping have shown some benefit in adult musculoskeletal reports, but there is limited pediatric randomized evidence, so this approach is relatively under-studied in children.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children of age group 6-13 * Children with diagnosis of post-fracture elbow stiffness. * Minimal immobilized period of 3 weeks * Children with age group of both genders Exclusion Criteria: * Infection or tumers * Neurological impairment * Children with MSK disorders * Metabolic bone disease * Pathological fractures
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Model town — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Adil Munir, MSPT — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: Imran Amjad, PhD
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 9233224390125
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.