Do Core Stabilization Exercises Have an Impact on Pain, Posture, and Disability in Shoulder Impingement Syndrome?

The objective of this retrospective study was look into the effects of core stabilization exercises applied in conjunction conservative treatment on pain, muscle strength, disability, and posture in shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS). 92 patients diagnosed with SIS enrolled in the study. The study was completed with 50 patients who met the inclusion criteria and whose analyzes were fully completed. There were two groups in our study (Group 1: conservative treatment, Group 2: core stabilization in addition to conservative treatment, n=25 each groups, 3 days per week for 6 weeks). Pain, joint range of motion, muscle and core strength, core endurance, posture and disability were assessed pre and post treatment in both groups. Both groups showed that there were significant improvements in pain, shoulder and neck joint range of motion, core endurance, disability (all p<0.001), upper body region muscle strength (p<0.001 for Group 1, p=0.011-<0.001 for Group 2) and core strength (p=0.043-0.045 for Group 1, p<0.001 for Group 2) after treatment. Posture score compared with the pre-treatment there was no difference in the Group 1 (p=0,953), while there was a significant increase in the Group 2 (p<0.001). The Group 2 also showed a significant increase in the core strength and endurance score compared with the Group 1, (p<0.001). We observed both groups showed improvement in on pain level, range of motion, upper body region muscle strength, disability, core strength and endurance. It was found that the Group 2 provided superiority in core muscle strength and endurance compared to the Group 1 and posture improved significantly. These findings suggest that core stabilization exercises should be integrated into treatment plans, particularly for SIS patients with postural deficiencies.