Muscle Thickness, Trunk Proprioception, and Postural Stability in Rotator Cuff Pathology

NCT07744165 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: RC TRUNK BALANCE 2026
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 80
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The rotator cuff consists of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles and their tendons, which surround and stabilize the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff-related disorders may cause pain, particularly during arm elevation and external rotation, and may limit shoulder movement and daily function. Shoulder function depends not only on the muscles surrounding the shoulder but also on the coordinated transfer of force through the trunk and extremities, known as the kinetic chain. Impairments in trunk muscle function, core stability, proprioception, and balance may therefore negatively affect shoulder mechanics. This study aims to investigate the relationships between latissimus dorsi and abdominal muscle thickness, trunk proprioception, and postural stability in individuals with rotator cuff pathology. The study will also examine whether these measurements differ between individuals with rotator cuff pathology and healthy participants.

Conditions

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Keywords

rotator cuff pathology; core stability; trunk proprioception; postural stability; abdominal muscle thickness; latissimus dorsi

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Abdominal Muscle Thicknesses

  The thicknesses of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis muscles will be measured separately in millimeters using diagnostic ultrasonography. Participants will be assessed in the supine position with a pillow placed under the knees. Lateral abdominal muscle measurements will be performed at the midpoint of a line drawn between the anterior superior iliac spine and the inferior border of the lowest rib at the midaxillary line. Rectus abdominis thickness will be measured immediately above the umbilicus at the thickest visible region of the muscle. Minimal transducer pressure will be applied to avoid compression of the muscle tissue. Each measurement will be repeated three times, and the mean of the three measurements will be used in the analysis.

  During the single assessment visit at enrollment (Day 1)

Secondary Outcomes (7)

• Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Thickness

  During the single assessment visit at enrollment (Day 1)

• Static Postural Stability

  During the single assessment visit at enrollment (Day 1)

• Trunk Proprioception

  During the single assessment visit at enrollment (Day 1)

• Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)

  During the single assessment visit at enrollment (Day 1)

• Walking Speed

  During the single assessment visit at enrollment (Day 1)

Study Arms (2)

Rotator Cuff Pathology Group

Adults with unilateral shoulder pain lasting at least 3 months and magnetic resonance imaging-confirmed rotator cuff pathology.

Healthy Control Group

Healthy adults without shoulder pain or a known history of rotator cuff pathology.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Study participants will be selected from adults evaluated at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic of Göztepe Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital. The patient group will include right-hand-dominant adults with unilateral shoulder pain lasting at least 3 months and a diagnosis of rotator cuff pathology. The control group will include right-hand-dominant healthy adults without shoulder pain who meet the study eligibility criteria.

You may qualify if:

• Rotator Cuff Pathology Group
• Willing to participate in the study and able to provide written informed consent
• Aged 18 years or older
• Unilateral shoulder pain lasting for at least 3 months
• Right-hand dominance
• Diagnosis of rotator cuff pathology
• Healthy Control Group
• Willing to participate in the study and able to provide written informed consent
• Aged 18 years or older
• Right-hand dominance
• No current shoulder pain

You may not qualify if:

• Unwilling or unable to provide written informed consent
• Younger than 18 years
• History of a chronic orthopedic or neurological condition that may affect shoulder, abdominal, or periscapular muscle function
• History of injury or surgery involving the abdominal region
• Bilateral shoulder pain or bilateral shoulder pathology
• Chronic low back pain
• Recent history of lumbar spine injury or surgery
• Presence of a comorbid condition that may cause balance impairment
• History of neuromuscular disease
• History of malignancy
• Pregnancy
• Receipt of physical therapy or rehabilitation for the shoulder region within the previous 6 months

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Medeniyet University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Göztepe Prof. Dr. Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital

Istanbul, Kadıköy, 34722, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Rupture; Wounds and Injuries; Shoulder Injuries; Tendon Injuries

Central Study Contacts

Bade Özkan, MD

CONTACT

+905346738855; badeozkann@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: MD, Specialist of PMR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 30, 2026
• First Posted: August 4, 2026
• Study Start: August 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 1, 2026
• Last Updated: August 4, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)