Rhythm-Based Stabilization Training in Video Gamers

February 23, 2026 updated by: Ali Wakid, Istinye University

The Effect of Rhythm-Based Stabilization Training on Scapular Control, Upper Extremity Performance, and Range of Motion in Video Gamers.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-week rhythm-based stabilization exercise protocol for professional video gamers diagnosed with scapular dyskinesis. Participants will undergo a structured exercise program consisting of 6 specific scapular stabilization exercises. These exercises will be performed on both stable surfaces (such as a treatment table or wall) and unstable surfaces (such as Swiss balls) to challenge neuromuscular control. The primary goal is to determine how this combined approach affects scapular control, upper extremity functional performance, and joint range of motion. Data will be collected through clinical assessments before and after the 4-week intervention to measure improvements in scapular stability and overall upper limb function.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
42

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.
  • Name: ‪Ali Wakid‬, Physiotherapist
  • Phone Number: 501 581 54 89 +90 531 329 69 31
  • Email: aliwaked573@gmail.com

Study Contact Backup

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Voluntary participants between 18 and 35 years of age
  • Playing video games for at least 3 hours per week for at least 3 months.
  • Healthy individuals with no chronic or acute shoulder/upper extremity problems.
  • Not participated in any other upper extremity treatment program in the last 6 months.
  • Willingness to participate and sign the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of trauma, surgery, or fracture in the shoulder, neck, or hand in the last 6 months.
  • Diagnosis of any neurological disease (e.g., MS, Stroke).
  • Structural causes of upper extremity pain, such as disc herniation or radiculopathy.
  • Vestibular or balance disorders affecting upper extremity movement
  • Inability to perform required exercises due to severe pain or physical limitations

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Experimental Group
This group will receive a 4-week rhythm-based scapular stabilization program consisting of 6 specific exercises performed twice weekly. The protocol combines exercises on stable and unstable surfaces to enhance neuromuscular control and scapular stability.
Other: Rhythm-Based Scapular Stabilization Program
"A 4-week exercise program consisting of 6 specific scapular stabilization exercises based on the rhythmic stabilization technique. The program includes 2 sets of 10 repetitions for each exercise, performed twice weekly. It utilizes both stable surfaces (wall/table) and unstable surfaces (Swiss balls) to challenge neuromuscular control and improve scapular stability in video gamers."
Other: Control Group
Following the assessment session, posture training and general information will be provided. Participants in this group will not participate in the stabilization exercise program. They will be instructed to maintain their regular daily activities and gaming routines without any specific therapeutic intervention during the 4-week study period.
Other: Posture education
Posture education and general information

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Upper Quarter Closed Kinetic Chain Stability Test (UQCKCST)
Time Frame: 4 weeks
This is a low-cost test that evaluates the functional performance and stability of the upper extremity in a closed kinetic chain. For the test, the participant assumes a push-up position with their hands placed 90 cm apart; men use the full position, while women use a modified (knees on the ground) position. The test is based on the principle of touching one hand to the other as quickly as possible within 15 seconds and returning to the starting position, and the total number of touches is recorded as a score. The participant performs three trials separated by 45-second rest periods.
4 weeks
Reaction Time
Time Frame: 4 weeks
Reaction Time is used to assess upper extremity reaction time and motor speed in athletes and young adults. In this study, a visual-cognitive reaction technology device (Blazepod) that has been shown to have high reliability will be used. Participants will be asked to turn off the light pods, which are randomly placed on the ground, by touching them with their dominant hand as quickly as possible when they are turned on. During the application, each participant will perform 5 trials separated by a 5-second rest period. Measurements will be recorded in milliseconds (ms), excluding the fastest and slowest values, and the average reaction time will be recorded.
4 weeks
Lateral Scapular Shift Test
Time Frame: 4 weeks

This is a static test used to assess scapular asymmetry and medial-lateral inferior angle displacement. The measurement is taken by measuring the distance between the inferior angle of the scapula and the corresponding thoracic spine process with a tape measure while the participant is standing upright. The test is performed in three different arm positions:

  • Arm in neutral position, free at the sides.
  • Arm in 45° abduction, hands on hips.
  • Arm in 90° abduction, hands above the head (or thumbs pointing upwards). A difference of more than 1.5 cm between the right and left sides is considered clinically significant scapular asymmetry.
4 weeks
Scapular Muscle Endurance Test
Time Frame: 4 weeks
This test is performed in a standing position to measure the endurance of the scapular stabilizing muscles. The participant stabilizes their scapula in a neutral position with their shoulder and elbow flexed at 90°, and maintains a 1 kg load determined by a dynamometer. The test continues until the participant can no longer maintain the position or the load. The measurement is repeated twice, and the longest time achieved is recorded in seconds.
4 weeks
Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-UQ)
Time Frame: 4 weeks
It is a tool developed to assess upper extremity performance and overall upper trunk stability at the limits. The test aims to identify movement limitations and asymmetries in pre-sports and rehabilitation screening. The participant assumes a push-up position with one hand placed on a support platform and attempts to reach the furthest possible distance with the other hand in 3 different directions: medial (inner), inferolateral (downward-outward), and superolateral (upward-outward). Attempts must be completed without losing balance or moving the standing hand.
4 weeks
Wrist Range of Motion (ROM)
Time Frame: 4 weeks
Joint range of motion is a crucial component of upper extremity functional performance. This study will evaluate wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation movements, as well as finger flexion/extension movements. Measurements will be taken using the HandROM Measurement System, which has been shown to be a reliable alternative to traditional goniometers. The system will allow for objective analysis of upper extremity functions, scapular control, and hand performance.
4 weeks
Medicine Ball Throw Test
Time Frame: 4 weeks
This test will be used to evaluate upper extremity explosive power. Participants position themselves upright in a chair without armrests, with their ankles, knees, and hips at a 90-degree angle. They are then asked to grasp a 3 kg medicine ball with both hands and throw it forward overhead without leaning forward or flexing their elbows. The point where the ball first touches the ground is measured from the starting point and recorded in centimeters.
4 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Visual Analog Scale
Time Frame: 4 weeks
The Visual Analog Scale will be used to assess the subjective intensity of pain experienced by the participant. This scale is a validated self-assessment tool for acute and chronic pain, rated from 0 ("no pain") to 10 ("unbearable pain"). Participants will be asked to rate the severity of their pain, particularly in the shoulder and upper extremity region, within this range.
4 weeks
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index
Time Frame: 4 weeks
The Shoulder Pain and Disability Index is a 13-item self-report questionnaire developed to assess the severity of shoulder pain and associated functional limitations in patients.The questionnaire includes a Pain subsection consisting of 5 items and a Disability subsection consisting of 8 items. Participants are asked to rate each item on a numerical rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire in Turkish have been proven. The final result is calculated as a percentage out of 100; a higher score indicates greater pain and disability.
4 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Istinye University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
February 15, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
April 25, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
May 25, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
January 27, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
January 27, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
February 4, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
February 24, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
February 23, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 2025-392

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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