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NCT Number: NCT07377292

Effectiveness of Core Stabilization Exercises in Rotator Cuff Injuries

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of core stabilization exercises added to conventional physical therapy in patients aged 40-60 with rotator cuff tears, compared to classic trunk and abdominal muscle strengthening exercises.

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Key information

Conditions

Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI) Behavior Core Exercises Training Motor Activity Rotator Cuff Injuries Rupture Shoulder Injuries Tendon Injuries Wounds and Injuries

Age range

40 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Kırşehir Ahi Evran University

Kırşehir, 40100, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Başak ÇİĞDEM KARAÇAY

SUB_INVESTIGATOR

Süleyman DALAR

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

About this study

Rotator cuff tears are classified as full-thickness and partial tears. Partial tears are a clinical condition commonly seen in the early stages but can often be treated with conservative methods. Partial tears can develop as a result of repetitive microtraumas, postural abnormalities, muscle imbalances, and deficiencies in the biomechanical chain. This condition affects not only the local shoulder muscles but also the scapulothoracic rhythm and trunk control. Recent studies have shown that shoulder function is closely related not only to local muscle strength but also to the integrity of the kinetic chain. The trunk (core) muscles are particularly critical for maintaining posture, transferring force during upper extremity movements, and stabilizing the distal segments. Inadequate trunk stabilization can lead to increased loads on the shoulder joint and elevated stress on the rotator cuff. Therefore, the aim of this thesis study is to examine the effectiveness of core stabilization exercises applied to individuals diagnosed with rotator cuff partial tears on pain, shoulder function, and clinical recovery, and to contribute scientifically to conservative rehabilitation approaches.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients aged 40 to 60 years with a partial supraspinatus tear detected by MRI, reported by a radiologist, and confirmed by a physiatrist.
  • Patients who test positive for at least two of the Jobe, Hawkins and Neer tests during the physical examination
  • Patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) score between 3.5 and 7.4 millimeters (mm)

Exclusion criteria

  • Participants do not wish to continue treatment for any reason
  • Complete or massive rotator cuff tear
  • Use of non-steroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • If they have received shoulder injections or physical therapy within the three months prior to the study
  • History of acute trauma
  • Presence of neurological disease
  • History of surgery on the treated shoulder
  • Symptomatic acromioclavicular joint arthritis
  • Frozen shoulder

Treatment and study plan

core stabilization exercises

Other

The program will be set up as a 35-minute session, including a 5-minute warm-up, three days a week for four weeks, under the supervision of a physical therapist. Before starting the exercise, the pelvis will be moved forward and backward to teach the lumbar and pelvic neutral positions by contracting and pulling the abdominal muscles to reduce lumbar lordosis. A neutral position will be established before each session, and care will be taken to maintain the neutral position throughout the exercise. The exercises consist of three levels and will be applied gradually. The exercises given at the beginning will be made more difficult individually according to the patients' progress. When the patient can maintain the exercise position for more than 5 seconds, they will move on to the next level. A deep breath will be taken before starting the exercise, and the breath will be exhaled during the movement. The contraction of the transversus abdominis muscle should continue while exhaling.

Classic Trunk and Abdominal Strengthening Program

Other

The program will be set up for 3 days a week over 4 weeks, consisting of a 35-minute session including a 5-minute warm-up, supervised by a physical therapist. Classic Williams 1-2-3 and McKenzie exercises will be provided.

conventional rehabilitation

Other
  • Passive, assisted active, and active shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation exercises in the supine position
  • Active shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises in a sitting or standing position
  • Shoulder flexion strengthening exercises
  • Shoulder external rotator and internal rotator strengthening exercises
  • Exercises to strengthen the lower, middle trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles
  • Posterior capsule stretching exercises
  • TENS (20 minutes)
  • Cold pack (10 minutes)

Primary outcomes

  1. Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)

    Pain intensity on the VAS (visual analog scale) is generally rated as "no pain" 0 points and "the most severe pain imaginable" 10 points (10 cm scale). Pain intensity scoring ranges are specified as <3 mild pain, 3-6 moderate pain, >6 severe pain.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Tendon Thickness

    Time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)

    The supraspinatus tendon will be evaluated using USG.

  2. Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)

    Time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)

    The SPADI questionnaire is a measure consisting of a total of 13 questions with two subscales: pain and disability. The total score and all subscale scores are evaluated on a scale of 0-100. A high result indicates significant shoulder pain and restricted shoulder movement.

  3. Range Of Motion (ROM)

    Time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)

    Shoulder ROM is measured using a universal goniometer. Shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation ranges are measured in the supine position.

  4. Core Muscle Strength

    Time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)

    Core muscle endurance will be assessed using the McGill core muscle endurance tests, which include the core flexor endurance test, core extensor endurance test, and core right and left side endurance tests. A stopwatch will be used for measurements, and scores will be recorded in seconds. Tests will be terminated when the test position deteriorates or when participants indicate they cannot continue the test.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Başak ÇİĞDEM KARAÇAY

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905445094803

Süleyman DALAR

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905384412189

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Core Stabilization Exercises in Patients With Rotator Cuff Tear

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jan 29, 2026
Registry last updated
May 14, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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