Comparison of the Effects of ShoulderSphere Exercises and Bodyblade Exercises

Official title

Comparison of the Effects of ShoulderSphere Exercises and Bodyblade Exercises in Young Individuals With Asymptomatic Scapular Dyskinesis: A Randomized Controlled Study

Overview

The scapula functions as a bridge connecting the upper extremity and the trunk. It contributes to more efficient and functional upper extremity movements. Scapular dyskinesis, defined as a deviation from the resting position and movements of the scapula, can reduce shoulder proprioception, scapular muscle endurance, and upper extremity function. The aim is to compare the long-term effects of exercises performed using the ShoulderSphere and the Bodyblade, which provide oscillatory stimulation and vibration, enhancing neuromuscular control that improves these factors. Forty-five volunteers with asymptomatic scapular dyskinesis will be randomized into three groups. The control group will receive resistive scapular muscle exercises. The ShoulderSphere group will receive exercises performed using the ShoulderSphere in addition to the control group. The Bodyblade group will receive exercises performed using the Bodyblade in addition to the control group. Pre- and post-treatment proprioception, muscle endurance, and upper extremity function will be assessed, and the groups will be compared. The study results will analyze which method is more effective in the rehabilitation program of individuals with asymptomatic scapular dyskinesis and determine its inclusion in the rehabilitation program.

Detailed description

The scapula functions as a critical biomechanical and neuromuscular bridge between the upper extremity and the trunk, playing a key role in shoulder stability and movement efficiency. Proper scapular motion and positioning are essential for optimal upper limb function. Scapular dyskinesis, defined as an alteration in the resting position or dynamic movement of the scapula, is associated with impaired proprioception, decreased endurance of scapular stabilizer muscles, and reduced functional capacity of the upper extremity. Even in asymptomatic individuals, scapular dyskinesis may predispose to future shoulder pathologies if left unaddressed.

In recent years, rehabilitation strategies have increasingly focused on enhancing neuromuscular control and sensorimotor integration through tools that provide oscillatory and vibratory stimuli. Two such tools-ShoulderSphere and Bodyblade-have gained attention for their ability to activate deep stabilizing musculature and improve dynamic scapular control. These devices generate multidirectional resistance and stimulate rapid afferent feedback mechanisms, promoting more efficient and coordinated muscle responses.

In this study, investigating the long-term effects of ShoulderSphere and Bodyblade training in individuals with asymptomatic scapular dyskinesis may provide valuable insight into their therapeutic potential. The study will involve 45 volunteers who will be randomly assigned to three groups. The control group will perform traditional resistive exercises targeting scapular stabilizers. The ShoulderSphere group will receive the same exercise program with the addition of ShoulderSphere-based training. Similarly, the Bodyblade group will perform the standard exercises along with Bodyblade training. Through this comparison, the study aims to determine which intervention offers greater benefits in improving scapular control, proprioception, and upper extremity function over time.

Interventions

• Other Strengthening Exercises
  Strengthening exercises targeting the middle and lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscles will be performed. The program will progress by increasing the number of exercises and the amount of resistance.
• Other ShoulderSphere Exercises and Resistive Exercises
  In addition to strengthening exercises, exercises will be performed using the ShoulderSphere in the frontal, sagittal and transverse planes with the shoulders in 90° flexion and the elbows in extension.
• Other Bodyblade Exercises and Resistive Exercises
  In addition to strengthening exercises, 15 minutes of exercises using the Bodyblade will be performed. Individuals will perform oscillation exercises in the frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes while holding the Bodyblade bar firmly with their shoulders in 90° flexion and elbows in extension.

Primary outcome measures

• Proprioception [Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks intervention]
• Scapular Muscle Endurance [Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks intervention]
• Upper Extremity Function [Time frame: Before and after 4 weeks intervention]
• Lateral scapular slide test [Time frame: Before treatment]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Having scapular dyskinesia
• No shoulder or neck pain

Exclusion criteria

• Positive Neer, Jobe, or Hawkins tests
• Shoulder instability
• Painful arch during arm elevation
• Painful passive or resisted shoulder external rotation at 90° shoulder abduction
• History of shoulder fracture or surgery
• Presence of shoulder pain in the last 6 months
• Presence of cognitive or neurological impairment

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Study design

Allocation

Randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Open label

Primary purpose

Treatment

Study locations

Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center

• Gazi University — Ankara

Publications

• Kibler WB, Sciascia A. Current concepts: scapular dyskinesis. Br J Sports Med. 2010 Apr;44(5):300-5. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2009.058834. Epub 2009 Dec 8. PMID 19996329
• Cho J, Lee K, Kim M, Hahn J, Lee W. The Effects of Double Oscillation Exercise Combined with Elastic Band Exercise on Scapular Stabilizing Muscle Strength and Thickness in Healthy Young Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial. J Sports Sci Med. 2018 Mar 1;17(1):7-16. eCollection 2018 Mar. PMID 29535573
• Lister JL, Del Rossi G, Ma F, Stoutenberg M, Adams JB, Tobkin S, Signorile JF. Scapular stabilizer activity during Bodyblade, cuff weights, and Thera-Band use. J Sport Rehabil. 2007 Feb;16(1):50-67. doi: 10.1123/jsr.16.1.50. PMID 17699887
• Savitzky JA, Abrams LR, Galluzzo NA, Ostrow SP, Protosow TJ, Liu SA, Handrakis JP, Friel K. Effects of a Novel Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation Device on Shoulder Strength and Function. J Strength Cond Res. 2021 Dec 1;35(12):3355-3363. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000003347. PMID 35133996

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07112807 · E-77082166-604.01-975466

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗