Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2025
Rat Model of Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder
Published on: September 28, 2018
Arthro-distension with early and intensive mobilization for shoulder adhesive capsulitis: A randomized controlled
Louis Jacob1, Sandra Lasbleiz2, Katherine Sanchez3
1Université Paris Cité, AP-HP, Lariboisière-Fernand Widal Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, INSERM U1153, Epidemiology of Ageing and Neurodegenerative Diseases (EpiAgeing), Paris, France; Research and Development Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, ISCIII, Dr. Antoni Pujadas, 42, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona 08830, Spain.
Background:
There are several therapeutic options for the management of shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC). The superiority of arthro-distension over intra-articular steroid injection (ISI) for AC remains controversial.
Objectives:
To evaluate the efficacy of a single arthro-distension procedure combined with early and intensive mobilization (ADM) and physiotherapy, versus ISI and physiotherapy, in people with AC lasting ≥3 months.
Methods:
This was a prospective, 2 parallel-group, 2-center, observer-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in tertiary care settings. Adults with AC were randomly assigned to the treatment or control group. Efficacy was assessed using the self-administered Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). Total, pain and disability SPADI scores 15 days, 6 weeks, and 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure (total SPADI at 15 days: primary outcome; other outcomes were secondary) were compared between groups using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). A post hoc analysis stratified on the initial range of passive glenohumeral abduction, which had not been pre-specified, was conducted.
Results:
There were 33 participants in each group. Both groups improved over time. Mean (SD) total SPADI score at 15 days was 33.8 (19.6) in the treatment group and 32.8 (17.5) in the control group, p = 0.393. There were no significant differences for any variables in the overall sample. The post hoc analysis found ADM to be associated with a significant decrease in total SPADI score at 15 days compared with ISI (p = 0.049) in individuals with initial passive glenohumeral abduction >45°.
Conclusions:
The effects of ADM on pain and function were not statistically different from those of ISI. However, ADM may be useful in individuals with initial passive glenohumeral abduction >45°.
Database Registration:
NCT00724113.
