Sports Physical TherapyNCT07899385
Effects of Scapular Training on Adolescent Boxers
A study testing Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program and Standard Physiotherapy Exercise Program in people with Sports Physical Therapy, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Boxing is a combat sport that requires repetitive, high-speed upper extremity movements, placing substantial demands on shoulder stability, scapular control, and neuromuscular coordination. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 10 to 19 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Sports Physical Therapy
- What is being tested?
- Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program and Standard Physiotherapy Exercise Program
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 52 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 25 Oct 2026to 1 Mar 2027
- 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 10 to 19 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Must be a licensed athlete
- Must have been boxing for at least 2-3 years
- Must be between the ages of 10 and 19
- Must not have previously undergone any exercise-based treatment for the scapula
- Maximum pain score of 5/10 or less on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
- Ability to continue the program
- Voluntary participation in the study
Who cannot join
- Presence of concomitant mental health issues, rheumatological, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, or pulmonary conditions
- Rotator cuff tendon tears across all layers, fractures, dislocations, nerve injuries, and other conditions causing shoulder pain.
- History of trauma or shoulder surgery.
- Patients with scoliosis or acute cervical spondylosis.
- Shoulder flexion or abduction angle less than 90°.
- History of a serious musculoskeletal injury or surgery within the past 6 months
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- Presence of vision and/or hearing loss
- Communication difficulties
- Active infections, active inflammatory diseases, tumors, neurological disorders, and changes in cognitive function (such as stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and peripheral neuropathy), systemic diseases affecting the joints (such as rheumatoid arthritis), and severe osteoporosis-as well as other conditions that are incompatible with or prevent completion of the treatment plan.
- Patients who refuse to undergo treatment.
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
Istinye University
Istanbul, 34010
Kubra Kardes, 05387115631, kubrakoce@gmail.com
Kubra Kardes, Asst. Prof.
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Scapular Stabilization Training on Scapular Control, Upper Extremity Performance, and Athletic Performance in Adolescent Boxers
Boxing is a combat sport that requires repetitive, high-speed upper extremity movements, placing substantial demands on shoulder stability, scapular control, and neuromuscular coordination. Repetitive punching movements may contribute to scapular dyskinesis, shoulder dysfunction, and impaired upper extremity performance. Scapular stabilization exercises aim to improve scapular positioning, muscle activation, and movement coordination by targeting key stabilizing muscles, including the serratus anterior and trapezius.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of scapular stabilization exercises on scapular control and upper extremity performance in adolescent boxers. Scapular control, muscular endurance, stability, strength, balance, and reaction time will be assessed to determine changes following the exercise intervention. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the potential benefits of scapular stabilization training for improving upper extremity function and sports performance in adolescent boxers.
- Conditions
- Sports Physical Therapy
- Being tested
- Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program, Standard Physiotherapy Exercise Program
- Keywords
- Adolescent boxers, scapular control, Upper Extremity Performance
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Scapular Stabilization Exercise ProgramOther
A structured, progressive scapular stabilization exercise program designed to improve scapular control, neuromuscular coordination, muscular endurance, and upper extremity stability and performance. The program will be administered for 30 minutes per session, three times weekly for six weeks, totaling 18 sessions.
Standard Physiotherapy Exercise ProgramOther
A standard physiotherapy exercise program combined with patient education. Participants will be instructed to perform the exercises for 30 minutes per session, three times weekly for six weeks, totaling 18 sessions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Physiotherapy Group | Active comparator | Participants in the control group will receive education on scapular dyskinesis, including its causes, underlying mechanisms, postural recommendations, and the benefits of exercise. They will be instructed to perform a standard physiotherapy exercise program consisting of 30-minute sessions, three times per week for six weeks (18 sessions in total). Receives: Other: Standard Physiotherapy Exercise Program |
| Scapular Stabilization Exercise Group | Experimental | Participants in the experimental group will receive education on scapular dyskinesis, including its definition, causes, underlying mechanisms, postural considerations, and the benefits of exercise. They will participate in a progressive scapular stabilization exercise program consisting of 30-minute sessions, three times per week for six weeks (18 sessions in total). Exercise progression will be individualized according to each athlete's condition and performance. Participants will be verbally questioned about potential exercise-related adverse effects before and after each session. Receives: Other: Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Scapular Dyskinesis
Scapular dyskinesis will be assessed using the Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT). Participants will perform five repetitions of bilateral shoulder flexion and abduction while holding weights of 1.4 kg or 2.3 kg, depending on body weight. Scapular movements will be visually observed and classified as dyskinesis present or absent based on abnormal scapular motion or asymmetry.
Measured: 6 weeks
Lateral Scapular Slide Test
Scapular position and symmetry will be assessed using the Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST). The distance between the inferior angle of the scapula and the thoracic spinous processes will be measured bilaterally in three arm positions: 0°, 45°, and 90° of shoulder abduction. Side-to-side differences will be recorded in centimeters (cm). A difference greater than 1.5 cm will be considered indicative of scapular asymmetry.
Measured: 6 weeks
Secondary outcomes (10)
Medicine Ball Throw Test
Upper extremity explosive power will be evaluated using the Medicine Ball Throw Test. Participants will throw a standardized medicine ball forward with maximal effort from a standardized seated or kneeling position. Throwing distance will be recorded in meters (m), with greater distances indicating better explosive upper extremity performance.
Measured: 6 weeks
Upper Quarter Y Balance Test
Upper extremity dynamic balance and stability will be assessed using the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (UQYBT). Participants will maintain a weight-bearing position on one upper extremity while reaching with the opposite hand in the medial, inferolateral, and superolateral directions. Maximum reach distances will be recorded in centimeters (cm), and a composite score will be calculated. Greater reach distances and composite scores indicate better dynamic stability.
Measured: 6 weeks
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test
Functional upper extremity stability will be evaluated using the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST). Participants will assume a push-up position with their hands positioned 91.4 cm apart and alternately touch the opposite hand for 15 seconds. The total number of touches completed within 15 seconds will be recorded. Higher scores indicate better upper extremity functional stability and performance.
Measured: 6 weeks
30-Second Repeated Punch Test
Boxing-specific upper extremity performance will be assessed using the 30-Second Repeated Punch Test. Participants will perform the maximum possible number of straight punches against a standardized punching bag over 30 seconds. The total number of punches will be recorded, with higher values indicating better boxing-specific repetitive punching performance.
Measured: 6 weeks
Punch Fatigue Index
Punching fatigue will be evaluated using three 30-second bouts of maximal straight punches against a punching bag, separated by 30-second rest intervals. The number of punches performed in each bout will be recorded. The Punch Fatigue Index will be calculated as [(maximum punch count - minimum punch count) / maximum punch count] × 100. Scores will be expressed as percentages (%), with lower values indicating better maintenance of punching performance across repeated bouts.
Measured: 6 weeks
Handgrip Strength
Handgrip strength will be measured using a hand dynamometer. Participants will be seated with the shoulder adducted, elbow flexed at 90°, and forearm in a neutral position. Three maximal voluntary contractions will be performed, and the highest value will be recorded as the handgrip strength measurement.
Measured: 6 weeks
Muscle Strength
Isometric shoulder abduction, external rotation, serratus anterior and lower trapezius strength will be assessed using a handheld dynamometer. Participants will perform maximal voluntary isometric contractions in standardized testing positions. Muscle strength will be recorded separately for shoulder abduction and external rotation, with higher values indicating greater muscle strength.
Measured: 6 weeks
Reaction Time
Visual reaction time will be assessed using the BlazePod system. Participants will respond as quickly as possible to randomly activated visual stimuli by touching the illuminated pods. Response times will be recorded in milliseconds (ms), with shorter reaction times indicating better neuromotor response performance.
Measured: 6 weeks
Athlete-Perceived Performance Satisfaction
Athlete-perceived performance satisfaction will be evaluated using an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Participants will rate their satisfaction with their performance during training on a scale from 0 (not satisfied at all) to 10 (completely satisfied). Higher scores indicate greater perceived performance satisfaction.
Measured: 6 weeks
Global Rating of Change (GROC)
Participants' perceived overall change following the intervention will be assessed using the Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale. Participants will rate their perceived change compared with their condition before the intervention on a 7-point scale ranging from -3 (much worse) to +3 (much better), with 0 indicating no change. Higher positive scores indicate greater perceived improvement.
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Oct 2026
- Study start25 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion28 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Sports Physical TherapyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Istinye UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istinye University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hale Nur Aykaç, Istinye University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07899385
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2026/14
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 20 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Scapular Stabilization Training on Scapular Control, Upper Extremity Performance, and Athletic Performance in Adolescent Boxers
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07899385
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2026/14
- Conditions
- Sports Physical Therapy
- Keywords
- Adolescent boxers, scapular control, Upper Extremity Performance
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 52 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Istinye UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 28 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 27 Oct 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.
Boxing is a combat sport that requires repetitive, high-speed upper extremity movements, placing substantial demands on shoulder stability, scapular control, and neuromuscular coordination. Repetitive punching movements may contribute to scapular dyskinesis, shoulder dysfunction, and impaired upper extremity performance. Scapular stabilization exercises aim to improve scapular positioning, muscle activation, and movement coordination by targeting key stabilizing muscles, including the serratus anterior and trapezius.
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of scapular stabilization exercises on scapular control and upper extremity performance in adolescent boxers. Scapular control, muscular endurance, stability, strength, balance, and reaction time will be assessed to determine changes following the exercise intervention. The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the potential benefits of scapular stabilization training for improving upper extremity function and sports performance in adolescent boxers.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Physiotherapy Group | Active comparator | Other: Standard Physiotherapy Exercise ProgramParticipants in the control group will receive education on scapular dyskinesis, including its causes, underlying mechanisms, postural recommendations, and the benefits of exercise. They will be instructed to perform a standard physiotherapy exercise program consisting of 30-minute sessions, three times per week for six weeks (18 sessions in total). |
| Scapular Stabilization Exercise Group | Experimental | Other: Scapular Stabilization Exercise ProgramParticipants in the experimental group will receive education on scapular dyskinesis, including its definition, causes, underlying mechanisms, postural considerations, and the benefits of exercise. They will participate in a progressive scapular stabilization exercise program consisting of 30-minute sessions, three times per week for six weeks (18 sessions in total). Exercise progression will be individualized according to each athlete's condition and performance. Participants will be verbally questioned about potential exercise-related adverse effects before and after each session. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 10 to 19 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Must be a licensed athlete
- Must have been boxing for at least 2-3 years
- Must be between the ages of 10 and 19
- Must not have previously undergone any exercise-based treatment for the scapula
- Maximum pain score of 5/10 or less on the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)
Key exclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Presence of concomitant mental health issues, rheumatological, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, or pulmonary conditions
- Rotator cuff tendon tears across all layers, fractures, dislocations, nerve injuries, and other conditions causing shoulder pain.
- History of trauma or shoulder surgery.
- Patients with scoliosis or acute cervical spondylosis.
- Shoulder flexion or abduction angle less than 90°.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Scapular Stabilization Exercise ProgramA structured, progressive scapular stabilization exercise program designed to improve scapular control, neuromuscular coordination, muscular endurance, and upper extremity stability and performance. The program will be administered for 30 minutes per session, three times weekly for six weeks, totaling 18 sessions. | Other | Scapular Stabilization Exercise Group |
| Standard Physiotherapy Exercise ProgramA standard physiotherapy exercise program combined with patient education. Participants will be instructed to perform the exercises for 30 minutes per session, three times weekly for six weeks, totaling 18 sessions. | Other | Conventional Physiotherapy Group |
Primary outcome
Scapular Dyskinesis
Time frame: 6 weeks
Scapular dyskinesis will be assessed using the Scapular Dyskinesis Test (SDT). Participants will perform five repetitions of bilateral shoulder flexion and abduction while holding weights of 1.4 kg or 2.3 kg, depending on body weight. Scapular movements will be visually observed and classified as dyskinesis present or absent based on abnormal scapular motion or asymmetry.
Lateral Scapular Slide Test
Time frame: 6 weeks
Scapular position and symmetry will be assessed using the Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST). The distance between the inferior angle of the scapula and the thoracic spinous processes will be measured bilaterally in three arm positions: 0°, 45°, and 90° of shoulder abduction. Side-to-side differences will be recorded in centimeters (cm). A difference greater than 1.5 cm will be considered indicative of scapular asymmetry.
10 secondary outcomes
Medicine Ball Throw Test
Time frame: 6 weeks
Upper Quarter Y Balance Test
Time frame: 6 weeks
Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test
Time frame: 6 weeks
30-Second Repeated Punch Test
Time frame: 6 weeks
Punch Fatigue Index
Time frame: 6 weeks
Handgrip Strength
Time frame: 6 weeks
Muscle Strength
Time frame: 6 weeks
Reaction Time
Time frame: 6 weeks
Athlete-Perceived Performance Satisfaction
Time frame: 6 weeks
Global Rating of Change (GROC)
Time frame: 6 weeks
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 30 Oct 2026.
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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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Scapular Stabilization Exercise Program and Standard Physiotherapy Exercise Program in people with Sports Physical Therapy, run by Istinye University 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 7 inclusion and 10 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 30 Oct 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. 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 Kubra Kardes, Asst. Prof. (05387115631, kubrakoce@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Scapular Dyskinesis (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 2 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 30 Oct 2026.