NCT07377292

Effectiveness of Core Stabilization Exercises in Rotator Cuff Injuries

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

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 69 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 40 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

• Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI)
• Core Exercises Training

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Core Stabilization Exercises	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.
OTHER	Classic Trunk and Abdominal Strengthening Program	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.
OTHER	Conventional Rehabilitation	1. Passive, assisted active, and active shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation exercises in the supine position 2. Active shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises in a sitting or standing position 3. Shoulder flexion strengthening exercises 4. Shoulder external rotator and internal rotator strengthening exercises 5. Exercises to strengthen the lower, middle trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles 6. Posterior capsule stretching exercises 7. TENS (20 minutes) 8. Cold pack (10 minutes)

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-25
• Primary completion: 2026-12-25
• Completion: 2026-12-25
• First posted: 2026-01-29
• Last updated: 2026-01-29

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)