Effectiveness and Efficiency of an Upper Limb Active-Passive Exoskeleton Robot in Patients With Frozen Shoulder

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Upper limb exoskeleton-assisted therapy: The upper limb exoskeleton robot used is the NimBo joint mobility robot (FREE Bionics), paired with a tablet. In this treatment, the exoskeleton assists subjects in performing shoulder range of motion training (flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation), passive stretching (flexion, extension, abduction, internal and external rotation), and muscle strength training including both isometric and isotonic contractions. The movements are performed in a sitting position, with repetitions, hold times, and rest intervals carefully structured. Joint angles are determined based on the patient's tolerance and pain level. The exoskeleton intervention lasts for 15 to 20 minutes per session, with joint angles determined based on the patient's tolerance and pain level. And it is conducted at least 3 times a week for 4 weeks.

General physical therapies: The general physical therapies include manual joint mobilization (Maitland oscillatory techniques applied to the glenohumeral joint) and conventional physical therapy modalities such as thermotherapy, infrared therapy, IFC, TENS. The treatment session lasts 45-60 minutes and is conducted at least 3 times weekly for 4 weeks.

Traditional physical therapies: In this arm, the subjects will receive the intervention of traditional active-assisted/passive exercises, resistance training at least 3 times a week for 4 weeks, in total at least 12 times treatments (approximately 15 to 20 minutes per session).

Study summary

Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a common chronic shoulder disorder with symptoms including shoulder pain, limitations in both active and passive range of motion, and muscle weakness, which significantly affects daily functional abilities. The investigator applied upper limb exoskeleton-assisted therapy. This experiment used a randomized controlled trial to assess the clinical rehabilitation effects of exoskeleton-assisted range of motion and resistance training on patients with frozen shoulder.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Shoulder joint Range of Motion — 1 day
  Besides shoulder pain, a key clinical manifestation of shoulder adhesive capsulitis is the progressive limitation of active and passive joint range of motion, which significantly impacts daily living functions. Shoulder joint range of motion can be considered an indicator of treatment effectiveness in frozen shoulder patients. A plastic universal goniometer is a commonly used tool for measuring range of motion. It can be used to measure joint range of motion on various joints. We used this simple tool to measure the anterior flexion, extension, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation angles of the subject's shoulder joint.

Trial sites (1)

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