Abstract
The objective was to investigate the relationship between core stability and the closed chain shoulder function in athletes with shoulder impingement syndrome. Shoulder impingement syndrome is the most common disorder of the shoulder. Postural, kinematic, and muscle changes have all been demonstrated to directly or indirectly alter the subacromial space dimension. Any physical condition that alters components of the kinetic chain, especially one that affects the core will alter more distal segments and may cause shoulder dysfunction. Core training is a mainstay in many athletic development training programs despite little evidence to prove its direct contribution to athletic performance. Twenty seven male athletes were tested. The transversus abdominis activation capacity by the pressure biofeedback unit and trunk flexion and horizontal back extension endurance times were recorded, in addition to the upper quarter Y balance test (UQYBT) scores. Pearson correlations were used to determine relationships between core stability and athletic performance. The core stability tests were not significantly related to the closed kinetic chain shoulder function. Core is comprised of synergistic parts working together, the current study supports the notion that some tests of core stability is unlikely to capture all aspects of the core that might be related to measures of shoulder function.