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This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of scapular stabilization exercises on pain, shoulder function, and quality of life in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a scapular stabilization exercise program or a conventional shoulder rehabilitation program. Pain, functional outcome measures, and patient-reported quality of life will be assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. The study seeks to determine whether adding scapular stabilization exercises provides superior clinical benefit.
Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and functional limitation. Scapular dyskinesis plays a key role in the development and persistence of SIS by altering scapulohumeral rhythm and increasing mechanical stress on subacromial tissues. Scapular stabilization exercises are increasingly used to restore normal scapular mechanics, improve muscular control, and reduce pain, but the clinical effectiveness of these exercises compared to conventional rehabilitation programs remains unclear.
This prospective, single-blind randomized controlled study investigates the effects of a scapular stabilization exercise program on pain, functional outcomes, and quality of life in patients diagnosed with SIS. Participants are randomly allocated to either a scapular stabilization group or a conventional shoulder rehabilitation group. Pain (VAS), functional status (QuickDASH and SPADI), range of motion, and quality-of-life measures are assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. The study aims to determine whether adding scapular stabilization exercises to standard rehabilitation leads to superior clinical improvement compared to conventional therapy alone.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Physiotherapy | Active Comparator | Participants in this arm receive standard physiotherapy consisting of electrotherapy, range-of-motion exercises, and stretching. The program is administered three times per week for 12 weeks. No scapular-specific stabilization or mobilization exercises are included. All participants also receive a home exercise program for daily stretching and mobility exercises. |
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| Scapular Stabilization + Mobilization-Based Rehabilitation | Experimental | Participants receive the same standard physiotherapy as the control group, combined with a supervised scapular stabilization and mobilization-based rehabilitation program. This structured 12-week protocol (3 sessions per week) includes passive scapular mobilization (10-12 minutes per session) and a three-phase stabilization exercise progression targeting scapular mechanics, muscle activation, strength, and neuromuscular control. A daily home exercise program is also provided. |
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| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Physiotherapy | Other | Standard physiotherapy consisting of electrotherapy modalities, range-of-motion exercises, and stretching exercises. The program is administered three times per week for 12 weeks. The intervention does not include any scapular-specific stabilization or mobilization techniques. All participants receive a home exercise program including daily stretching and mobility exercises. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) Score | QuickDASH is an 11-item validated questionnaire that measures physical function and symptoms related to upper extremity disorders. Total scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The primary outcome is the change in QuickDASH score from baseline to Week 12. | Baseline, Week 6, Week 12 |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Constant-Murley Score (CMS) | The Constant-Murley Score assesses shoulder pain (15 points), daily activities (20 points), range of motion (40 points), and strength (25 points). Total score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better function. The secondary outcome is the improvement in CMS over time. | Baseline, Week 6, Week 12 |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Zeynep Karakuzu Güngör | Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital | Istanbul | 34303 | Turkey (Türkiye) |
| PubMed Identifier | Type | Citation | Retractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41975358 | Derived | Karakuzu Gungor Z, Tan MS. Effect of scapular stabilization and mobilization-based rehabilitation on pain and shoulder function in subacromial impingement syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2026 Apr 13;27(1):330. doi: 10.1186/s12891-026-09760-7. |
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Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because data sharing is not planned for this study.
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This study uses a parallel assignment model in which participants are allocated into two distinct groups: (1) standard physiotherapy and (2) standard physiotherapy plus scapular stabilization-mobilization-based rehabilitation.
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The study uses single-blind masking. Only outcome assessors and statisticians are blinded to group assignments. Participants and treating physiotherapists are not blinded due to the nature of the intervention.
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| Visual Analog Scale (VAS) | Pain intensity at rest is measured using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain). The outcome represents the change in resting pain levels over time. | Baseline, Week 6, Week 12 |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D019534 | Shoulder Impingement Syndrome |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D007592 | Joint Diseases |
| D009140 | Musculoskeletal Diseases |
| D000070599 | Shoulder Injuries |
| D014947 | Wounds and Injuries |
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