Effects of ShoulderSphere Exercises in Young Adults

This study was designed as a controlled pretest-posttest intervention study in young adults. The purpose was to compare the effects of an 8-week ShoulderSphere-based exercise program with a conventional shoulder stabilization exercise program based on selected Thrower's Ten exercises.

Participants were young adults between 18 and 40 years of age who did not have current shoulder pain or clinical shoulder symptoms. Participants were assigned to either the ShoulderSphere exercise group or the conventional exercise group.

The ShoulderSphere group performed exercises using the ShoulderSphere device, which provides dynamic resistance and requires continuous control of shoulder movement. The conventional exercise group performed selected shoulder stabilization exercises based on the Thrower's Ten program. Both interventions were applied for 8 weeks.

Outcome assessments were performed before and after the intervention period. Shoulder stability was assessed using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. Functional upper-extremity performance was assessed using the seated single-arm medicine ball throw test. Shoulder proprioception was assessed using an active joint position sense test. Isokinetic shoulder muscle strength and endurance were assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer.

The main purpose of the study was to examine whether ShoulderSphere exercises had different effects from conventional shoulder stabilization exercises on shoulder stability, strength, proprioception, endurance, and functional performance in young adults.

Inclusion criteria

• Being between 18 and 40 years of age
• Having no current shoulder pain or clinical shoulder symptoms
• Meeting the study screening criterion for shoulder stability based on the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Providing written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Having current shoulder pain or any clinical shoulder symptoms
• Having a history of shoulder surgery
• Having a history of shoulder dislocation, subluxation, or significant shoulder trauma
• Having any neurological, rheumatological, or systemic condition that could affect upper-extremity function
• Having an acute musculoskeletal injury affecting the shoulder, neck, back, or upper extremity
• Having any condition that would prevent safe participation in the exercise program or outcome assessments
• Unable to complete the intervention or assessment procedures