The Immediate Effects of First Rib Mobilization on Pain and Range of Motion in Patients With Shoulder Pain

Part of paid clinical trials in Annville, Pennsylvania.

Sponsor
Andrews University
Study ID
NCT07064772
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Shoulder Pain

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 75 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • First Rib Mobilization — OTHER
    Participants in the mobilization group will receive either a seated or supine three stage progressive muscle energy technique (MET) plus a singular high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust (HVLAT) mobilization technique directed to their first rib on their symptomatic side based on the discretion of the treating physical therapist.
  • Sham Comparator — OTHER
    Participants in the sham mobilization (control) group will be placed in a supine, hook-lying position identical to the mobilization group; however, they will be instructed to inhale and exhale 3 times using diaphragmatic breathing (avoiding upper chest recruitment) as the physical therapist gently rests his or her hand over the area of the upper trapezius muscle just proximal to the first rib to simulate a sham mobilization hand placement. Therefore, physical therapists will not use any significant compressive force to the musculature, perform any tactile cueing for upper chest breathing, perform any mobilizations, nor perform any HVLAT techniques to participants in the sham mobilization group.

Study Details

The purpose of this clinical trial is to examine whether one session of a specific manual physical therapy technique, known as first rib mobilization, can lead to immediate improvements in pain and movement in individuals with shoulder pain. We hypothesize that this single treatment will result in reduced pain and increased ability to move the shoulder and neck. Researchers will compare first rib mobilization to a sham mobilization (a look-alike hands-on position that does not mobilize the first rib) to see if first rib mobilization works to immediately reduce pain and improve movement in patients with shoulder pain. Participants will receive first rib mobilization or a sham mobilization during a single session of physical therapy and will receive pre and post intervention measurements of their pain levels and neck and shoulder range of motion.

Key Dates

Start date
Jul 14, 2025
Status verified
Jul 2025
Primary completion
Jul 30, 2026
Completion
Jul 30, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
64 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: First Rib Mobilization Group
    Participants in this arm will be randomly assigned to receive a first rib mobilization on their affected side of shoulder pain by a licensed physical therapist.
  • Sham Comparator: Sham Mobilization
    Participants in this arm will be randomly assigned to receive a sham mobilization to the region of the first rib on their affected side of shoulder pain by a licensed physical therapist.

Primary Outcome Measure

Range of motion [ Time Frame: Cervical and shoulder active range of motion will be assessed in participants in both groups at baseline and immediately following the intervention ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Lebanon Valley CollegeAnnvillePennsylvania17003
Michael L Fink, Doctor of Science
[email protected]
717-867-6847
Joseph R Hribick, Doctor of Physical Therapy
[email protected]
717-538-0786
Joseph R Hribick, Doctor of Physical Therapy (PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR)
Michael L Fink, Doctor of Science (SUB_INVESTIGATOR)
Elizabeth Oakley, Doctor of Health Science (SUB_INVESTIGATOR)

Find similar trials in Annville, PA

By research site
Lebanon Valley College· Annville, PA

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