The effects of core stabilization training in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: a single-blind randomized controlled study

To investigate the effects of core stabilization training (CST), combined with standard rehabilitation, on pain, upper extremity function, shoulder muscle strength, and core stability in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Forty-four patients with SIS were randomly assigned to either the core stabilization group (CST + standard rehabilitation) or the control group (standard rehabilitation) and received the interventions for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were pain and upper extremity function, and secondary outcomes were shoulder muscle strength and core stability parameters. Assessments were performed at baseline and at weeks 3, 6, and 12. A significant main effect of time was observed for pain, upper extremity function, shoulder strength, and core stability (p < 0.001). Significant group × time interactions in favor of the core stabilization group were found for rest pain (p = 0.006), activity pain (p = 0.035), upper extremity function (p < 0.001), and core stability (p < 0.01). Other outcomes showed no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). CST combined with standard rehabilitation is effective in reducing pain, improving upper extremity function and core stability in patients with SIS. While it does not provide additional benefits for shoulder muscle strength over standard rehabilitation. NCT05966298 Subacromial impingement syndrome is a common shoulder condition that may lead to pain, and limitations in upper extremity function during daily activities.Impaired core stability may contribute to shoulder-related pain and functional deficits by altering kinetic chain control and shoulder mechanics.Core stabilization training, as an adjunct to standard rehabilitation, may support improvements in pain relief, upper extremity function, and core stability compared to standard rehabilitation alone in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.Clinicians may consider incorporating core stabilization training into rehabilitation programs to enhance functional outcomes in this population. Subacromial impingement syndrome is a common shoulder condition that may lead to pain, and limitations in upper extremity function during daily activities. Impaired core stability may contribute to shoulder-related pain and functional deficits by altering kinetic chain control and shoulder mechanics. Core stabilization training, as an adjunct to standard rehabilitation, may support improvements in pain relief, upper extremity function, and core stability compared to standard rehabilitation alone in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. Clinicians may consider incorporating core stabilization training into rehabilitation programs to enhance functional outcomes in this population.