Scapular DyskinesisNCT06875596
The Effectiveness of an Exercise Program on Scapulohumeral Rhythm, Range of Motion, and Stability in Young Female Handball Players
A study testing Modified Watson-based scapular exercise program and Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise program in people with Scapular Dyskinesis and Handball Players, run by Medical University of Gdansk at 1 site in Poland.
Trial summary
This record describes a planned randomized parallel-group trial of a modified Watson-based shoulder exercise program in female handball players. An internal pilot phase was conducted first to evaluate feasibility and obtain preliminary estimates to inform the definitive trial. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 16 to 45 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Scapular Dyskinesis, Handball Players, Female Athlete
- What is being tested?
- Modified Watson-based scapular exercise program and Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePoland
- Study dates
- 8 Mar 2025to 10 Feb 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 16 to 45 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy individuals with no reported health problems
- No history of shoulder or elbow surgery within the past 2 years
- Received information about the study
- Written consent from the participant to participate in the study, including video recording and photography
Who cannot join
- Injury or trauma to the upper extremity within the past 3 months
- Illness that prevents participation in the study or tests
- Heavy physical activity of the shoulder girdle within 2 hours prior to the study
- Orthopedic surgery or physiotherapy treatment of the shoulder girdle
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Poland1 site
Department of Immunobiology and Environment Microbiology, Medical University of Gdańsk
Gdansk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, 80-211
About this study
Official title: The Effectiveness of an Exercise Program on Scapulohumeral Rhythm, Range of Motion, and Shoulder Girdle Stability in Young Female Handball Players
This record describes a planned randomized parallel-group trial of a modified Watson-based shoulder exercise program in female handball players. An internal pilot phase was conducted first to evaluate feasibility and obtain preliminary estimates to inform the definitive trial.
Read the detailed description
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a structured shoulder girdle exercise programme on stability, range of motion (ROM) and motor control in female handball players. The study will be conducted over a period of 8 weeks and will involve 60 participants aged 17-30 years recruited from professional handball clubs. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which will follow a modified version of the Watson programme, or the control group, which will continue with their standard training programme. Aims: - To compare the effects of the upper scapular rotation-oriented exercise intervention with a standardised upper extremity exercise programme. - Scapulohumeral rhythm assessment: To assess scapulohumeral rhythm at different angles of shoulder flexion (30°, 60°, 90° and 120°) in young female handball players, with a focus on identifying potential asymmetries between the dominant and non-dominant limbs. - Analysis of scapular kinematics: To measure scapular upward rotation, anterior/posterior tilt and medial/lateral translation at different degrees of shoulder flexion to identify movement patterns associated with scapular dyskinesis. - Functional stability analysis: To assess upper extremity functional stability using the Y-Balance Upper Quarter Test (YBT-UQ) and the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test pre- and post-exercise to identify potential correlations between stability improvements and changes in scapular rhythm and muscle activation. - Isometric strength measurement: To evaluate isometric strength in shoulder abduction, internal rotation and external rotation using the Lafayette HHD handheld dynamometer to assess the impact of the intervention on shoulder muscle performance.
An internal pilot phase of this registered study was conducted between March and September 2025 to assess feasibility, retention, adherence, safety, and preliminary variability of outcome measures before progression to the full trial. Seventeen participants were enrolled and 14 completed post-intervention assessment. Findings from this pilot phase are being reported separately in a manuscript focused on feasibility and preliminary effect estimation. The definitive randomized trial remains planned contingent on feasibility findings and available resources.
- Conditions
- Scapular Dyskinesis, Handball Players, Female Athlete
- Being tested
- Modified Watson-based scapular exercise program, Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise program
- Keywords
- Handball, Sports Performance Assessment, Muscle Strength assessment, Scapular, Scapular dyskinesis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Modified Watson-based scapular exercise programOther
An 8-week dominant-limb exercise program based on the Watson rehabilitation approach, incorporating scapular positioning correction, scapular-specific cueing, and progressive exercises performed with two elastic resistance bands.
Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise programOther
An 8-week dominant-limb standardized upper-limb exercise program performed with one elastic resistance band and without scapular positioning correction or scapular-specific cueing.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental: Modified Watson-based scapular exercise program | Experimental | Participants undergo baseline and post-intervention assessment including scapulohumeral rhythm, range of motion, isometric shoulder strength, Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test, and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. The intervention lasts 8 weeks and is divided into four consecutive 2-week phases targeting the dominant upper extremity. Participants receive scapular positioning correction and scapular-specific cueing aimed at improving upward rotation and neuromuscular control during exercise performance. Two elastic resistance bands are used: one to facilitate scapular upward rotation control and one to provide external resistance during the exercises. Participants are instructed to perform the home exercise program daily for approximately 10 minutes. Receives: Other: Modified Watson-based scapular exercise program |
| Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise program | Active comparator | Participants undergo baseline and post-intervention assessment including scapulohumeral rhythm, range of motion, isometric shoulder strength, Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test, and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. The control intervention lasts 8 weeks and is divided into four consecutive 2-week phases targeting the dominant upper extremity. Participants perform a standardized upper-limb exercise program without scapular positioning correction, without scapular-specific cueing, and without specific upward-rotation facilitation. One elastic resistance band is used to provide external resistance during the exercises. Participants are instructed to perform the home exercise program daily for approximately 10 minutes. Receives: Other: Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Scapulohumeral rhythm
Scapular upward rotation is assessed with the Digital Inclinometer (BASELINE 12-1057) in a seated position to minimize compensatory movements of the trunk and lower extremities. The first measurement is taken at baseline (0° of shoulder flexion), followed by additional measurements at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of shoulder flexion. Each position is held for 10-15 seconds to ensure stable measurement conditions. Measurements are repeated three times and the average is used for analysis. The assessment will be performed on both the dominant and non-dominant upper limb to evaluate movement symmetry. Data will be recorded manually by a research assistant to reduce the risk of reading errors and to ensure measurement accuracy. Statistical analysis will be performed to determine the scapulohumeral rhythm across different ranges of motion and to identify potential movement asymmetries.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
ISOMETRIC STRENGTH TEST - Internal and External Rotation
Isometric strength assessment of the shoulder girdle muscles will be conducted using the Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer (HHD). For the rotator muscles, measurements will be performed in the prone position with the shoulder abducted to 90° and the elbow flexed to 90°, with the forearm hanging freely over the edge of the examination table. This setup will be used for both internal and external rotation strength assessments. Results are expressed in Newtons (N) or normalized to body weight as Newtons per kilogram (N/kg).
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Y-Balance Upper Quarter Test (YBT-UQ)
The Y-Balance Upper Quarter Test (YBT-UQ) is used to assess upper extremity stability and reach performance. The test requires the participant to maintain a single-arm support position while the opposite arm performs reaching movements in three directions: anterior (forward), inferolateral (diagonally opposite the supporting hand), and superolateral (diagonally toward the supporting hand).
Each reach is measured in centimeters, and the final score for each direction is calculated as the average of three trials. The test will be performed on both upper limbs and arm length will be included in the analysis to ensure standardized results. Results will be reported in centimeters, "cm", and Upper Limb Length % (standardized by upper limb length).
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Secondary outcomes (2)
RANGE OF MOTION (Shoulder Internal and External Rotation)
Range of motion is measured for internal and external rotation of the shoulder. The participant is positioned in the prone position with the shoulder abducted to 90 degrees and the elbow flexed to 90 degrees, allowing the forearm to hang freely over the edge of the examination table. The starting position (0 degrees) is defined as the forearm being vertically aligned. Results are presented in degre
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test
Two strips of tape will be placed on the floor 90 cm apart. Participants will be instructed to assume a push-up position and perform as many hand touches as possible on each strip within 15 seconds. The examiner will count the number of touches.
Three trials will be conducted, and the final score will be calculated as the average number of touches across all three trials. A 45-second rest period will be provided between each trial.
The CKCUEST score and CKCUEST power will be calculated using the following formulas:
- Score = Average number of touches on CKCUEST / height (m)
- Power = 68% of body weight (kg) × Average number of touches on CKCUEST
Measured: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Mar 2025
- Study start8 Mar 2025
- Primary completion10 Sep 2025
- Study completion10 Feb 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Scapular DyskinesisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of Gdansk
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Gdansk Medical Academy of Applied Sciences
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Bartosz Wilczyński, Medical University of Gdansk
- Investigators
- Bartosz Wilczyński, Principal investigator, Medical University of Gdansk
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06875596
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KB/42/2025
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 7 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Data on OSF (osf.io/n9ket/)
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effectiveness of an Exercise Program on Scapulohumeral Rhythm, Range of Motion, and Shoulder Girdle Stability in Young Female Handball Players
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06875596
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KB/42/2025
- Conditions
- Scapular Dyskinesis, Handball Players, Female Athlete
- Keywords
- Handball, Sports Performance Assessment, Muscle Strength assessment, Scapular, Scapular dyskinesis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Medical University of GdanskUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Gdansk Medical Academy of Applied Sciences
- Study start
- 8 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Feb 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This record describes a planned randomized parallel-group trial of a modified Watson-based shoulder exercise program in female handball players. An internal pilot phase was conducted first to evaluate feasibility and obtain preliminary estimates to inform the definitive trial.
Detailed description
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a structured shoulder girdle exercise programme on stability, range of motion (ROM) and motor control in female handball players. The study will be conducted over a period of 8 weeks and will involve 60 participants aged 17-30 years recruited from professional handball clubs. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which will follow a modified version of the Watson programme, or the control group, which will continue with their standard training programme. Aims: - To compare the effects of the upper scapular rotation-oriented exercise intervention with a standardised upper extremity exercise programme. - Scapulohumeral rhythm assessment: To assess scapulohumeral rhythm at different angles of shoulder flexion (30°, 60°, 90° and 120°) in young female handball players, with a focus on identifying potential asymmetries between the dominant and non-dominant limbs. - Analysis of scapular kinematics: To measure scapular upward rotation, anterior/posterior tilt and medial/lateral translation at different degrees of shoulder flexion to identify movement patterns associated with scapular dyskinesis. - Functional stability analysis: To assess upper extremity functional stability using the Y-Balance Upper Quarter Test (YBT-UQ) and the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test pre- and post-exercise to identify potential correlations between stability improvements and changes in scapular rhythm and muscle activation. - Isometric strength measurement: To evaluate isometric strength in shoulder abduction, internal rotation and external rotation using the Lafayette HHD handheld dynamometer to assess the impact of the intervention on shoulder muscle performance.
An internal pilot phase of this registered study was conducted between March and September 2025 to assess feasibility, retention, adherence, safety, and preliminary variability of outcome measures before progression to the full trial. Seventeen participants were enrolled and 14 completed post-intervention assessment. Findings from this pilot phase are being reported separately in a manuscript focused on feasibility and preliminary effect estimation. The definitive randomized trial remains planned contingent on feasibility findings and available resources.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Experimental: Modified Watson-based scapular exercise program | Experimental | Other: Modified Watson-based scapular exercise programParticipants undergo baseline and post-intervention assessment including scapulohumeral rhythm, range of motion, isometric shoulder strength, Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test, and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. The intervention lasts 8 weeks and is divided into four consecutive 2-week phases targeting the dominant upper extremity. Participants receive scapular positioning correction and scapular-specific cueing aimed at improving upward rotation and neuromuscular control during exercise performance. Two elastic resistance bands are used: one to facilitate scapular upward rotation control and one to provide external resistance during the exercises. Participants are instructed to perform the home exercise program daily for approximately 10 minutes. |
| Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise program | Active comparator | Other: Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise programParticipants undergo baseline and post-intervention assessment including scapulohumeral rhythm, range of motion, isometric shoulder strength, Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test, and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test. The control intervention lasts 8 weeks and is divided into four consecutive 2-week phases targeting the dominant upper extremity. Participants perform a standardized upper-limb exercise program without scapular positioning correction, without scapular-specific cueing, and without specific upward-rotation facilitation. One elastic resistance band is used to provide external resistance during the exercises. Participants are instructed to perform the home exercise program daily for approximately 10 minutes. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 16 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Healthy individuals with no reported health problems
- No history of shoulder or elbow surgery within the past 2 years
- Received information about the study
- Written consent from the participant to participate in the study, including video recording and photography
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Injury or trauma to the upper extremity within the past 3 months
- Illness that prevents participation in the study or tests
- Heavy physical activity of the shoulder girdle within 2 hours prior to the study
- Orthopedic surgery or physiotherapy treatment of the shoulder girdle
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Modified Watson-based scapular exercise programAn 8-week dominant-limb exercise program based on the Watson rehabilitation approach, incorporating scapular positioning correction, scapular-specific cueing, and progressive exercises performed with two elastic resistance bands. | Other | Experimental: Modified Watson-based scapular exercise program |
| Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise programAn 8-week dominant-limb standardized upper-limb exercise program performed with one elastic resistance band and without scapular positioning correction or scapular-specific cueing. | Other | Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise program |
Primary outcome
Scapulohumeral rhythm
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Scapular upward rotation is assessed with the Digital Inclinometer (BASELINE 12-1057) in a seated position to minimize compensatory movements of the trunk and lower extremities. The first measurement is taken at baseline (0° of shoulder flexion), followed by additional measurements at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of shoulder flexion. Each position is held for 10-15 seconds to ensure stable measurement conditions. Measurements are repeated three times and the average is used for analysis. The assessment will be performed on both the dominant and non-dominant upper limb to evaluate movement symmetry. Data will be recorded manually by a research assistant to reduce the risk of reading errors and to ensure measurement accuracy. Statistical analysis will be performed to determine the scapulohumeral rhythm across different ranges of motion and to identify potential movement asymmetries.
ISOMETRIC STRENGTH TEST - Internal and External Rotation
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Isometric strength assessment of the shoulder girdle muscles will be conducted using the Lafayette Hand-Held Dynamometer (HHD). For the rotator muscles, measurements will be performed in the prone position with the shoulder abducted to 90° and the elbow flexed to 90°, with the forearm hanging freely over the edge of the examination table. This setup will be used for both internal and external rotation strength assessments. Results are expressed in Newtons (N) or normalized to body weight as Newtons per kilogram (N/kg).
Y-Balance Upper Quarter Test (YBT-UQ)
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
The Y-Balance Upper Quarter Test (YBT-UQ) is used to assess upper extremity stability and reach performance. The test requires the participant to maintain a single-arm support position while the opposite arm performs reaching movements in three directions: anterior (forward), inferolateral (diagonally opposite the supporting hand), and superolateral (diagonally toward the supporting hand). Each reach is measured in centimeters, and the final score for each direction is calculated as the average of three trials. The test will be performed on both upper limbs and arm length will be included in the analysis to ensure standardized results. Results will be reported in centimeters, "cm", and Upper Limb Length % (standardized by upper limb length).
2 secondary outcomes
RANGE OF MOTION (Shoulder Internal and External Rotation)
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Data on OSF (osf.io/n9ket/)
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Bartosz Wilczyński principal investigator
Medical University of Gdansk
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Modified Watson-based scapular exercise program and Active Comparator: Standard upper-limb exercise program in people with Scapular Dyskinesis and Handball Players, run by Medical University of Gdansk at 1 site in Poland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Scapulohumeral rhythm (time frame: through study completion, an average of 2 years). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 May 2026.