Effects of Upper Limb Progressive Resistance Training Along with Core Stability Exercises on Pain, Core Muscular Endurance and Upper Limb Balance in Cricket Fast Bowlers with Shoulder Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background: Cricket fast bowlers are generous and particularly susceptible to shoulder problems due to the repetitive overhead movements they perform, and the substantial biomechanical stress associated with fast bowling. Shoulder disorders among them are normally associated with shoulder pain, poor core muscular endurance and some dysfunction in upper limb dynamic balance. Thus, it may be reasonable to expect that the integration of upper limb progressive resistance training and core stability training would be somewhat more comprehensive as a rehabilitation program and enhance functional performance. Objective: To investigate the effect of the upper limb progressive resistance training with core stability on shoulder pain, core endurance, and upper limb dynamic balance in fast bowlers with shoulder disorders. Methodology: Four-month randomized controlled trial (April-July 2025) at cricket clubs of Hyderabad and Jamshoro, Pakistan. Forty-eight male fast bowlers aged 18-35 years with shoulder disorders were divided randomly into two groups through the lottery method. Group A was exposed to a six-week intervention consisting of upper limb progressive resistance training with core stability exercises, whereas Group B only had progressive resistance training alone. The outcomes were measured both at baseline and post-intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT), and the plank endurance test. The statistics were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, and the level of significance was determined to be p<0.05. (ClinicalTrials.gov Registry No. NCT07055685) Results: Significant improvements in pain, upper limb dynamic balance, and core muscular endurance were observed in both groups immediately after the intervention (p<0.05). Nevertheless, the combination of interventions group demonstrated significant decreases in pain, as well as increased upper limb dynamic balance and core muscular endurance, when compared to progressive resistance training group. In relation to the between group outcomes, there was a significant difference in all major outcome measures favoring the combined intervention group. Conclusion: The study concluded that performing upper limb progressive resistance training in combination with core stability exercises is more beneficial than conducting only progressive resistance training regarding pain reduction and upper limb dynamic balance and core muscular endurance in fast bowlers with shoulder disorders. Keywords: Core endurance, Fast-bowler, Resistance Training, Shoulder Disorders DOI: 10.53389/JRCRS.2026140302
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7216635043