Rhythm-Based Stabilization Training in Video Gamers

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: Not yet recruiting
• Conditions: Scapular Dyskinesis
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Rhythm-Based Scapular Stabilization Program; Other: Posture education

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 42
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: ‪Ali Wakid‬, Physiotherapist; Phone Number: 501 581 54 89 +90 531 329 69 31; Email: aliwaked573@gmail.com
• Study Contact Backup: Name: Kubra Kardes, Asst. Prof.; Phone Number: 05387115631; Email: kubrakoce@gmail.com

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• 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

How is the study designed?

Design Details

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

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
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

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Upper Quarter Closed Kinetic Chain Stability Test (UQCKCST)	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	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	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	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)	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)	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	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

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Visual Analog Scale	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	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

• Sponsor: Istinye University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): February 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): April 25, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 25, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 27, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 27, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): February 4, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): February 24, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 23, 2026
• Last Verified: February 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Neuromuscular Training; Upper Extremity Performance; Rhythmic Stabilization; Video Gamers; Scapular Control
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Arthralgia; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Shoulder Pain
• Other Study ID 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