NCT06703775

Low Level Laser Versus Neural Mobilization of Brachial Plexus on Shoulder Dysfunction Post Liver Donation

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 66 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of the study will be to compare therapeutic effect of low level laser versus neural mobilization techniques on shoulder dysfunction post liver donation.

Detailed description

The need for this study develops from the lack of information in the published studies about the effectiveness of low level laser and neural mobilization of brachial plexus on shoulder dysfunction post liver donation. Following liver donation and transplantation, shoulder dysfunction and discomfort occur in 20% to 60% of patients. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used as a non-pharmacological alternative to treat painful musculoskeletal conditions. It is used in acute, chronic painful and inflammatory affections shows that low energy irradiation from lasers alters cellular processes, producing anti-inflammatory effects and increased collagen turnover. Neural mobilization (NM) is an intervention aimed at restoring the homeostasis in and around the nervous system, by mobilization of the nervous system itself or the structures that surround the nervous system. Neural mobilization facilitates movement between neural structures and their surroundings (interface) through manual techniques or exercise. Human and animal studies revealed that NM reduces intraneural edema, improves intraneural fluid dispersion, reduces thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and reverses the increased immune responses. The present study is designed to investigate the effect of LLLT versus NMT on shoulder dysfunction post liver donation.

Conditions

• Shoulder Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Low level laser therapy (LLLT)	The first experimental will receive LLLT using the Fisioline Lumix 2 (Italy). Participants will be placed in a comfortable, supported sitting position and will wear protective eyeglasses to prevent retinal damage. The LLLT (GaAs type, 1-10 mW, 904 nm) will be applied to the most painful points on the deltoid and/or upper trapezius muscles. Treatment will target a minimum of two and a maximum of four painful points, with each point irradiated for 3-4 minutes, for a total session duration of up to 15 minutes.
OTHER	Neural mobilization techniques	The second experimental will receive Neural Mobilization Therapy (NMT). The procedure will begin by positioning the patient in a sitting position. The initial positioning will involve placing the patient's arm at their side with the elbow bent at 90 degrees. The therapist will gently extend the patient's shoulder (moving the arm backward) while keeping the elbow bent, creating tension on the axillary nerve. This tension will be held for a few seconds, ensuring it remains within the patient's tolerance and does not cause discomfort or pain. The shoulder will then be slowly returned to the initial position, releasing the tension on the nerve. This sequence of tension and release will be repeated, gradually increasing the range of motion as tolerated. The treatment will consist of three sets of 10 repetitions, with a one-minute rest between sets, performed three times per week for a total of 12 sessions over four weeks.
OTHER	Conventional physical therapy program	The following exercises will be performed by the patients of three groups. Pendulum exercise, Isometric Scapular Retraction, Rotator cuff exercise, Wall creeping exercise, Active assisted ROM exercises, Codman exercises. Each exercise will be performed for all movements namely flexion extension and abduction-adduction, one sets of each 10-15 repetitions within pain-free range and instructed to carry out their activities of daily living.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-11-26
• Primary completion: 2025-01-26
• Completion: 2025-02-01
• First posted: 2024-11-25
• Last updated: 2024-11-25

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt