Effect of Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain and Functional Outcomes in Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

NCT07277868 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: impingement-2025
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Subacromial Impingement Syndrome

Keywords

Exercise Therapy; Shoulder Rehabilitation; Scapular Stabilization; Functional Outcomes

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• 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

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Modified Constant-Murley Score (CMS)

  Baseline, Week 6, Week 12

• Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

  Baseline, Week 6, Week 12

Study Arms (2)

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.

Other: Standard Physiotherapy

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.

Other: Standard Physiotherapy

Interventions

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.

Also known as: Conventional Physiotherapy, Routine Physiotherapy

Scapular Stabilization + Mobilization-Based Rehabilitation; Standard Physiotherapy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 to 65 years.
• Clinically diagnosed subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) based on:positive Neer test ,positive Hawkins-Kennedy test ,painful arc between 60°-120°,pain during resisted shoulder tests
• Symptoms present for at least 4 weeks.
• Ability to comply with a 12-week supervised rehabilitation program.
• Ability to provide written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Previous shoulder surgery on the affected side.
• Presence of full-thickness rotator cuff tear confirmed by ultrasound imaging.
• Evidence of cervical radiculopathy or significant cervical spine pathology.
• Advanced glenohumeral or acromioclavicular osteoarthritis.
• History of inflammatory rheumatic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis).
• Severe cardiopulmonary, neurological, or systemic conditions limiting physical activity.
• Recent shoulder fracture or dislocation (\< 6 months).
• Participation in another structured shoulder rehabilitation program within the last 3 months.
• Pregnancy.
• Inability to understand or follow instructions required for the intervention or assessments.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital

Istanbul, 34303, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Shoulder Injuries; Wounds and Injuries

Study Officials

• Zeynep Karakuzu Güngör

  Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: 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.
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Model Details: 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.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: November 27, 2025
• First Posted: December 11, 2025
• Study Start: August 30, 2025
• Primary Completion: November 30, 2025
• Study Completion: December 30, 2025
• Last Updated: January 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)