[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of shoulder stabilization exercise and shoulder isometric resistance exercise on maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) rate of change of shoulder stabilization muscles and hand function. [Method] The subjects of this study were nineteen healthy adults who had no problems with their musculoskeletal system. Group I performed shoulder stabilization exercise with a ball for 30 minutes. Group II performed shoulder isometric resistance exercise without a ball for 30 minutes. Electromyography recorded the MVIC rate of change of the upper trapezius, lower trapezius and serratus anterior in a manual muscle testing position after each exercise. All subjects were assessed for hand function (power and dexterity) using a dynamometer, pinch gauge, grooved pegboard and Purdue pegboard. The EMG data was compared using the independent t-test. Hand function was compared using the independent t-test and the paired t-test. [Results] The results of study were as follows: the MVIC rate of change showed significant difference between the shoulder stabilization exercise group and the shoulder isometric resistance exercise group for the upper trapezius and serratus anterior. In the shoulder stabilization exercise group, power grip, pinch, grooved pegboard test and Purdue pegboard test results were significantly increased post-intervention. In the shoulder isometric resistance exercise group, pinch was significantly increased post-intervention, but the other test results showed no significant differences. [Conclusion] We conclude that shoulder stabilization exercise is more effective than shoulder isometric resistance exercise for shoulder stability and hand function.