The effects of shoulder stabilization exercises and pectoralis minor stretching on balance and maximal shoulder muscle strength of healthy young adults with round shoulder posture

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of pectoralis minor stretching and shoulder strengthening with an elastic band on balance and maximal shoulder muscle strength in young adults with rounded shoulder posture. [Subjects and Methods] Nineteen subjects with rounded shoulder posture were randomly divided into 2 groups: a shoulder stabilization exercise group and a stretching exercise group. The groups performed each exercise for 40 minutes, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks. Static balance (eyes open and closed), dynamic balance (the limits of stability in 4 directions) and shoulder muscle strength in 5 directions were measure before and after the exercises. [Results] The stretching exercise demonstrated a significant difference between the pre- and post-exercise in the static balance with eyes closed and extension and horizontal abduction strength while the stabilization exercise demonstrated significant difference in the left and right directions between the pre- and post-exercise of the dynamic balance and flexion strength. The stabilization exercise demonstrated significant differences shown in the flexion between the pre- and post-test. [Conclusion] The shoulder stabilization and stretching exercises improved the static balance, dynamic balance, and muscle strength.

Pectoralis minor length measurements in three different scapula positions

“…The difference between the active and passive tilt positions may indicate the role of the lower Trapezius (LT) not only on the scapula but also on the PM length. One of the more recent arguments in the evaluation of PM length is the role of the antagonist (LT) length and inner range strength on the resting position of the scapula (Kim, Lee & Yoo 2018 ; Morais & Cruz 2016 ). Adaptive shortening of PM is often seen as a result of a sustained postural position or occurs because of repetitive upper limb movements (Kendall et al 2005 ; Kim et al 2018 ).…”

“…One of the more recent arguments in the evaluation of PM length is the role of the antagonist (LT) length and inner range strength on the resting position of the scapula (Kim, Lee & Yoo 2018 ; Morais & Cruz 2016 ). Adaptive shortening of PM is often seen as a result of a sustained postural position or occurs because of repetitive upper limb movements (Kendall et al 2005 ; Kim et al 2018 ). If shortened, the scapula is pulled into internal and downward rotation (Gutierrez-Espinoza et al 2019 ; Kendall et al 2005 ; Lee et al 2018 ).…”

“…Adaptive shortening of PM is often seen as a result of a sustained postural position or occurs because of repetitive upper limb movements (Kendall et al 2005 ; Kim et al 2018 ). If shortened, the scapula is pulled into internal and downward rotation (Gutierrez-Espinoza et al 2019 ; Kendall et al 2005 ; Lee et al 2018 ). In this downwardly rotated position LT is lengthened and may weaken, which raises the question of whether the adaptive shortening of PM is the cause or the result of the scapula position.…”

“…The effect of a shortened PM on scapular kinematics and upper limb function is well documented (Borstad & Ludewig 2005 ; Finley et al 2017 ; Gutierrez-Espinoza et al 2019 ; Kibler et al 2013 ; Lee et al 2018 ; Lewis & Valentine 2007 ). Is PM the only perpetrator responsible for the altered scapular position (Morais & Cruz 2016 )?…”

Effectiveness of Structured Exercise Programme Versus Elastic Band Exercie on Individuals with Rounded Shoulder

“…Incidence of rounded shoulder posture is increasing in young adults due to repetitive work and bad posture while working. [1] It is a posture in which scapulae are elevated and the acromion processes are protruded Corresponding author: Dr. Khushboo Chotai Associate professor, Department of sports, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Institute of medical sciences deemed to be university, Karad, Maharashtra, 415110 forward to compromise the centre of gravity. It involves anterior tilt of the cervical vertebra and the posterior tilt upper thoracic vertebra which leads to shoulder protraction, turn downwards and anterior tilting.…”