Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Added to Standard Physiotherapy on Pain, Function, and Quality of Life in Patients With Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized, sham-controlled study will evaluate whether transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), when added to standard physiotherapy, improves pain, shoulder function, range of motion, and quality of life in adults with adhesive capsulitis. A total of 40 participants aged 18 to 65 years will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will receive 15 sessions of standard physiotherapy over 3 weeks. In addition, one group will receive active taVNS for 30 minutes per day, while the other group will receive sham stimulation for the same duration and frequency. Assessments will be performed before treatment and after the 15th treatment session using pain, shoulder disability, quality-of-life, and shoulder range-of-motion measurements.
• Age between 18 and 65 years.
• Clinical diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis confirmed by physical examination and, when clinically indicated, imaging.
• Shoulder pain and limitation of shoulder range of motion for at least 3 months.
• Provision of written informed consent.
• General health status sufficient to participate in standard physiotherapy and active or sham transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation.
• Ability to comply with the planned treatment sessions and outcome assessments.