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Efficacy of Topical Insulin Gel as a Coupling Medium in Phonophoresis-Assisted Physiotherapy vs Liposomal Insulin in Management of Joint Inflammation

Efficacy of Topical Insulin Gel as a Coupling Medium in Phonophoresis-Assisted Physiotherapy vs Liposomal Insulin in Management of Joint Inflammation: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07790757
Enrollment
60
Registered
2026-08-27
Start date
2025-07-01
Completion date
2026-02-01
Last updated
2026-08-27

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Joint Inflammation

Brief summary

Although most clinical applications of topical insulin have centered on diabetic wound healing, emerging evidence in animal models supports its use in musculoskeletal inflammation. In osteoarthritic models, insulin was shown to downregulate cartilage-degrading enzymes (MMP-1, MMP-13, ADAMTS4) in synovial fibroblasts by activating the insulin receptor and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, indicating direct synovial anti-inflammatory effects3. From a physiotherapeutic perspective, therapeutic ultrasound facilitates deeper tissue heating and enhances local circulation, potentially improving the dermal and transdermal absorption of topically applied agents. Therefore, using insulin in gel form as a coupling medium offers dual benefits: enhanced drug delivery via ultrasound and localized modulation of inflammatory processes in joints and soft tissues. This synergy could lead to superior pain relief and functional recovery compared to standard ultrasound gel. * Primary Objective: To evaluate the effect of topical nano-insulin gel on pain reduction and functional improvement compared to standard insulin gel combined with the Phonophoresis technique. * Secondary Objectives: To assess quality of life markers as changes in joint mobility, strength, and incidence of local/systemic adverse effects.

Interventions

DRUGInsulin

Topical insulin gel (2 IU/g) applied with phonophoresis technique

DRUGnano-insulin gel

Transferosomes were formulated by the conventional handshaking method using Phos-pholipid (soylecithin) and surfactant (sodium deoxycholate) are mixed with chloroform in the ratio 1:1:1

RADIATIONphonophoresis and ultasound

combination of ultrasound and phonophoresis without insulin

Sponsors

Deraya University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Adults aged 40 Years to 60 Years (Adult ) * Patient with diagnosis of shoulder soft tissue inflammation due to SAIS/ * Unilateral or bilateral grade II shoulder osteoarthritis (clinical and imaging diagnosis X-ray). * Patient suffering from shoulder soft tissue inflammation due to SAIS/RCT pain for more than 3 months before enrollment

Exclusion criteria

* Known diabetes mellitus (Type 1 or uncontrolled Type 2) * Skin conditions or open wounds at application site * Hypersensitivity to insulin or gel components * Use of corticosteroids or NSAIDs within 1 week before enrollment Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and meniscus injury

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain scoring 0-10at 4 an 8 weekThe visual analog scale (VAS) is a pain rating scale first used. Scores are based on self-reported measures of symptoms that are recorded with a single handwritten mark placed at one point along the length of a 10-cm line that represents a continuum between the two ends of the scale-"no pain" on the left end (0 cm) of the scale and the "worst pain" on the right end of the scale (10 cm).
Functional Statusat 4 and 8 weekShoulder/Upper Limb: DASH Questionnaire, Shoulder pain and disability measured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire (the score output is given as a percentage -from 0% to 100%- and the lower the percentage the better is the clinical outcome, the higher the percentage the worse is the clinical outcome) performed at 2, 4, 6 and at 12 weeks after treatment start compared to baseline.

Countries

Egypt

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Aug 28, 2026