Effect of Scapular Retraction Exercise on Shoulder Alignment, Pulmonary Function and Aerobic Capacity in Subjects with Forward Shoulder Posture

Background: Forward shoulder posture is identified when the acromion process is most anteriorly positioned when compared with the position of mastoid process, which is characterized by acromion protraction infront of the line of gravity as well as protraction, downward rotation and anterior tilt of scapula. It is one of the common postural abnormality that accounts for 60% of shoulder abnormalities, with an incidence of 75% in the right side and 66% in left side. The study aims to find the effect of scapular retraction exercises on shoulder alignment, pulmonary function and aerobic capacity in subjects with forward shoulder posture. Methods: The study was conducted on 14 subjects with FSP within the age group of 18 to 25. Scapular retraction exercises were given to the subjects for a duration of 3 weeks. Pre and post test values of scapular index, chest expansion, incentive spirometry and six minute walk test was taken. Results: Subjects showed statistically significant differences with a mean difference of 0.7(cm) for scapular index right, 0.68(cm) for scapular index left, 0.59(cm) for upper chest expansion, 1.21(secs) for inspiratory hold time using incentive spirometry and 6.79(m) for aerobic capacity (p<0.05, CI =95%). Pre and post mean scores of scapular index, chest expansion, inspiratory hold time and 6 minute walk test reveals that scapular retraction exercises has a positive impact on improving shoulder alignment, pulmonary function, and aerobic capacity Conclusion: Scapular retraction exercises is effective in improving shoulder alignment, pulmonary function and aerobic capacity in subjects with Forward shoulder posture KEY WORDS: Forward shoulder posture, rounded shoulder, pulmonary function, aerobic capacity, scapular retraction exercises, lung volume.

Effects of scapular stabilization exercises on posture and muscle imbalances in women with upper crossed syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Scapular stabilization exercises can improve forward shoulder posture in young women. However, the effects of optimal exercise protocols on neck and shoulder postures, scapular muscle imbalance and thoracic kyphosis are still unclear. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of scapular stabilization exercises on neck and shoulder postures, scapular muscle imbalance and thoracic kyphosis in young women with upper crossed syndrome. METHODS: Thirtyninewomenaged 1825 years with upper crossed syndrome were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated intotwo groups. The exercise group performed scapular stabilization exercises using elastic bands at 10 repetitionsset, 3 setsday, and 3 daysweek for 4 weeks. The control group did not perform any exercises during the experimental period. The cervical and shoulder angles were evaluated using the Kinovea program. A caliper, handheld dynamometer and flexi ruler were used to evaluate the length of the pectoralis minor, strength of the scapular stabilizer muscles and degree of the mid-thoracic curve, respectively. RESULTS: The exercise group showed significant differences (p< 0.05) in the increase in cervical and shoulder angle, length of the pectoralis minor, and strength of the scapular muscles, except in the degree of mid-thoracic curve compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that scapular stabilization exercises can improve forward head and shoulder posture, increase the flexibility of the pectoralis minor and strengthen the scapular muscles.

THE EFFECT OF DURATION OF SMARTPHONE USAGE AND LEVEL OF SMARTPHONE ADDICTION ON FORWARD SHOULDER POSTURE IN TEENAGERS AGED 16-18 YEARS IN SMA NEGERI 2 DENPASAR

Increased and prolonged use of smartphones may cause musculoskeletal disorders, one of which is Forward Shoulder Posture (FSP) if a person is using smartphone in an incorrectly position, long duration and repetitive position. The duration of smartphone usage and the level of smartphone addiction are a contributing factor to the occurrence of some frequent musculoskeletal disorders. The following research is cross sectional analytic observational research with sample of adolescent age 16-18 year in SMA Negeri 2 Denpasar 63 people. The result is known that the duration of smartphone usage has a significant effect on the FSP incidence, p is 0.028 (p <0,05) and the rate of smartphone addiction have an effect on the occurrence of FSP, p equal to 0,043 (p <0,05). Logistic regression results, the duration of smartphone use and the level of smartphone addiction are the factors that affect the incidence of FSP in adolescents aged 16-18 years in SMA Negeri 2 DenpasarKeywords : Duration of Smartphone Usage, Level of Smartphone Addiction, Forward Shoulder Posture

Figure-8 Strap Application: Immediate Alteration of Pectoralis Minor Length and Scapular Alignment During Arm-Lifting Exercise in Participants With Forward Shoulder Posture

Context:Scapular bracing can correct scapular kinematics and restore normal scapular-muscle activity. However, there is little evidence to support the beneficial effects of a figure-8 strap, a type of scapular bracing, on muscle length, scapular alignment, and muscle activity during arm-lifting exercise.Objective:To investigate the immediate effect of a figure-8 strap on pectoralis minor length, scapular alignment, and scapular upward-rotator-muscle activity.Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:Research laboratory.Participants:Fifteen male participants (age 22.1 ± 1.9 y, weight 68.2 ± 5.7 kg, height 176.2 ± 3.3 cm) with forward shoulder posture (FSP) were examined for pectoralis minor length and scapular alignment with and without the application of a figure-8 strap.Main Outcome Measures:Pectoralis minor length was measured using the Pectoralis Minor Index (PMI), scapular alignment was measured with FSP, and upper trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscle activity were measured using surface electromyography while participants performed an arm-lifting exercise. Data collected with and without applying a figure-8 strap were compared using a paired t-test.Results:Applying a figure-8 strap significantly decreased the PMI (P = .005) and scapular anterior tilting (P = .000). There were no differences in the muscle activity of the upper trapezius (P = .784), lower trapezius (P = .241), and serratus anterior muscles (P = .639).Conclusions:A figure-8 strap resulted in positive changes in pectoralis minor length and scapular alignment. The results support its use as a treatment aid in managing pectoralis minor length and scapular alignment during arm-lifting exercises.