Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI)NCT07377292
Effectiveness of Core Stabilization Exercises in Rotator Cuff Injuries
A study testing Core Stabilization Exercises, Classic Trunk and Abdominal Strengthening Program and Conventional Rehabilitation in people with Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI) and Core Exercises Training, run by Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial 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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 40 to 60 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI), Core Exercises Training
- What is being tested?
- Core Stabilization Exercises, Classic Trunk and Abdominal Strengthening Program and Conventional Rehabilitation
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 69 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 13 May 2026to 25 Dec 2026
- 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 40 to 60 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients aged 40 to 60 years with a partial supraspinatus tear detected by MRI, reported by a radiologist, and confirmed by a physiatrist.
- Patients who test positive for at least two of the Jobe, Hawkins and Neer tests during the physical examination
- Patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) score between 3.5 and 7.4 millimeters (mm)
Who cannot join
- Participants do not wish to continue treatment for any reason
- Complete or massive rotator cuff tear
- Use of non-steroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- If they have received shoulder injections or physical therapy within the three months prior to the study
- History of acute trauma
- Presence of neurological disease
Show all 9Show fewer
- History of surgery on the treated shoulder
- Symptomatic acromioclavicular joint arthritis
- Frozen shoulder
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Kırşehir Ahi Evran University
Kırşehir, 40100
Süleyman DALAR
Başak ÇİĞDEM KARAÇAY
About this study
Official title: Investigation of the Effectiveness of Core Stabilization Exercises in Patients With Rotator Cuff Tear
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.
Read the 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
- Being tested
- Core Stabilization Exercises, Classic Trunk and Abdominal Strengthening Program, Conventional Rehabilitation
- Keywords
- Core exercise training, Rotator Cuff İnjury, Exercise
- Medical subject headings
- Rotator Cuff Injuries, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Core Stabilization ExercisesOther
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.
Classic Trunk and Abdominal Strengthening ProgramOther
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.
Conventional RehabilitationOther
- Passive, assisted active, and active shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation exercises in the supine position
- Active shoulder range of motion (ROM) exercises in a sitting or standing position
- Shoulder flexion strengthening exercises
- Shoulder external rotator and internal rotator strengthening exercises
- Exercises to strengthen the lower, middle trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles
- Posterior capsule stretching exercises
- TENS (20 minutes)
- Cold pack (10 minutes)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stabilization Group | Active comparator | Patients received conventional rehabilitation for the affected shoulder 5 days a week for 4 weeks and core stabilization exercises 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Receives: Other: Core Stabilization Exercises; Other: Conventional Rehabilitation |
| Classic Body Exercise Group | Active comparator | Patients will receive conventional rehabilitation for the affected shoulder 5 days a week for 4 weeks, along with a classic trunk and abdominal strengthening program 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Receives: Other: Classic Trunk and Abdominal Strengthening Program; Other: Conventional Rehabilitation |
| Control Group | Placebo comparator | Patients will receive conventional rehabilitation for the affected shoulder five days a week for four weeks. Receives: Other: Conventional Rehabilitation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Visual Analog Scale
Pain intensity on the VAS (visual analog scale) is generally rated as "no pain" 0 points and "the most severe pain imaginable" 10 points (10 cm scale). Pain intensity scoring ranges are specified as <3 mild pain, 3-6 moderate pain, >6 severe pain.
Measured: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)
Secondary outcomes (4)
Tendon Thickness
The supraspinatus tendon will be evaluated using USG.
Measured: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
The SPADI questionnaire is a measure consisting of a total of 13 questions with two subscales: pain and disability. The total score and all subscale scores are evaluated on a scale of 0-100. A high result indicates significant shoulder pain and restricted shoulder movement.
Measured: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)
Range Of Motion (ROM)
Shoulder ROM is measured using a universal goniometer. Shoulder flexion, extension, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation ranges are measured in the supine position.
Measured: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)
Core Muscle Strength
Core muscle endurance will be assessed using the McGill core muscle endurance tests, which include the core flexor endurance test, core extensor endurance test, and core right and left side endurance tests. A stopwatch will be used for measurements, and scores will be recorded in seconds. Tests will be terminated when the test position deteriorates or when participants indicate they cannot continue the test.
Measured: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Jan 2026
- Study start13 May 2026
- Primary completion25 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion25 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI)Studies 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
- Model description
- Three groups along with the exercise control group
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 69 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Süleyman DALAR, Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07377292
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AhievranUERH-FTR-SD-01
- Status last verified
- May 2026
- First submitted
- 22 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 14 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 14 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Effectiveness of Core Stabilization Exercises in Patients With Rotator Cuff Tear
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07377292
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AhievranUERH-FTR-SD-01
- Conditions
- Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI), Core Exercises Training
- Keywords
- Core exercise training, Rotator Cuff İnjury, Exercise
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 69 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Ahi Evran University Education and Research HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 25 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 25 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 29 Jan 2026 (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.
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Three groups along with the exercise control group
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stabilization Group | Active comparator | Other: Core Stabilization Exercises, Other: Conventional RehabilitationPatients received conventional rehabilitation for the affected shoulder 5 days a week for 4 weeks and core stabilization exercises 3 days a week for 4 weeks. |
| Classic Body Exercise Group | Active comparator | Other: Classic Trunk and Abdominal Strengthening Program, Other: Conventional RehabilitationPatients will receive conventional rehabilitation for the affected shoulder 5 days a week for 4 weeks, along with a classic trunk and abdominal strengthening program 3 days a week for 4 weeks. |
| Control Group | Placebo comparator | Other: Conventional RehabilitationPatients will receive conventional rehabilitation for the affected shoulder five days a week for four weeks. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 40 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Patients aged 40 to 60 years with a partial supraspinatus tear detected by MRI, reported by a radiologist, and confirmed by a physiatrist.
- Patients who test positive for at least two of the Jobe, Hawkins and Neer tests during the physical examination
- Patients with a visual analog scale (VAS) score between 3.5 and 7.4 millimeters (mm)
Key exclusion criteria (9 listed)
- Participants do not wish to continue treatment for any reason
- Complete or massive rotator cuff tear
- Use of non-steroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- If they have received shoulder injections or physical therapy within the three months prior to the study
- History of acute trauma
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stabilization ExercisesThe 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 | Core Stabilization Group |
| Classic Trunk and Abdominal Strengthening ProgramThe 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 | Classic Body Exercise Group |
| Conventional Rehabilitation1. 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) | Other | Classic Body Exercise Group, Control Group, Core Stabilization Group |
Primary outcome
Visual Analog Scale
Time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)
Pain intensity on the VAS (visual analog scale) is generally rated as "no pain" 0 points and "the most severe pain imaginable" 10 points (10 cm scale). Pain intensity scoring ranges are specified as <3 mild pain, 3-6 moderate pain, >6 severe pain.
4 secondary outcomes
Tendon Thickness
Time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)
Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI)
Time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)
Range Of Motion (ROM)
Time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)
Core Muscle Strength
Time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)
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 14 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
Related trials for Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI)
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI), Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)
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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Core Stabilization Exercises, Classic Trunk and Abdominal Strengthening Program and Conventional Rehabilitation in people with Rotator Cuff Injury (RCI) and Core Exercises Training, run by Ahi Evran University Education and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 3 inclusion and 9 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 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 Turkey (Türkiye). 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?
Contact Süleyman DALAR (+905384412189, suleymandalar39@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Visual Analog Scale (time frame: Before Treatment (Week 0), at the end of treatment (Week 3) and after treatment (Week 12)). 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 14 May 2026.