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BACKGROUND: People with forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP) may experience shifts in scapular position and alterations in the strength of the muscles surrounding the scapula. Therefore, a reliable scapula position and scapula muscle strength test are required to identified scapula problem and provided appropriate intervention programs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the reliability of scapular position measurements obtained using a modified digital inclinometer and palpation meter, as well as muscle strength using a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) in individuals with FHP and RSP. METHODS: Thirty healthy subjects underwent scapular position tests (upward rotation, anterior tilt, depression, and protraction) and strength tests of periscapular muscles (serratus anterior, upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius) on both the dominant and non-dominant sides. The reliability of the measurements was confirmed by computing the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Test and re-tests were conducted over a period of one week and actual values for each measurement were also obtained and assessed. RESULTS: The ICC ranged from 0.802 to 0.935 for the scapular position tests and from 0.808 to 0.949 for muscle strength tests on the dominant and non-dominant sides. For scapular position tests, SEM values ranged from 0.3 cm to 0.6 cm (protraction and depression), from 1.0∘ to 1.7∘ (upward rotation and anterior tilt) and MCID values ranged from 0.7 cm to 1.6 cm (protraction and depression), from 2.8∘ to 4.7∘ (upward rotation and anterior tilt). Regarding muscle strength tests, SEM and MCID values were in the range 14.4N–27.3N and 39.9N–75.7N, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Scapular position and periscapular muscle strength can be reproducibly measured in healthy subjects individuals with FHP and RSP. These instruments can hence be recommended for evaluating these functional traits in subjects with FHP and RSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A Rounded Shoulder Posture (RSP) is characterized by physiological changes in the breathing pattern of individuals. This leads to an imbalance in scapular kinematics which is crucial for overall health. Thera band training helps to improve muscle strength and flexibility of muscle. This study aims to assess the effect of Thera band exercise training on rounded shoulders association with pulmonary capacity in young adults. Methodology: Twenty-three participants with RSP, participated in three weeks of the Thera band training program with progression in protocol consisting of 4 sessions per week. The pulmonary capacity was assessed with the help of a Spirometer and the rounded shoulder was assessed by using inch tape. Descriptive statistics analyzed demographic data and pre/post-treatment measurements. Statistical analysis included the paired t-test. Result: The results showed improvement in rounded shoulder posture and pulmonary capacity after 3 weeks of the exercise training program. For rounded shoulder Thera band exercises showed statistically significant values (p<0.001). There's a slight increase in pulmonary capacity but statistically not significant (p>0.001). Conclusion: This study concludes that Thera band exercises can effectively improve rounded shoulder posture in young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Kinesio taping is most widely used to correct postural dysfunction. Forward head and rounded shoulder posture (RSP) are common postural dysfunctions in the upper quadrant. Despite claims that Kinesio taping can be used to correct upper quadrant postural dysfunction, this seems to be controversial. Thus, our purpose is to determine the effect of Kinesio taping in subjects with upper quadrant postural dysfunction. Methods: The electronic databases searched include PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane and PEDro were searched from April 2001 to April 2023. Studies searched were included if they met the eligibility criteria. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis. Results: Nine RCTs involving 293 participants were included. The present meta-analysis demonstrated significant differences between Kinesio taping groups and control groups in terms of forward shoulder angle (FSA). No significant difference was found regarding craniovertebral angle (CVA) and pain. Conclusion: In subjects with RSP, Kinesio taping is beneficial in correcting FSA and does not show improvement in CVA and pain. The findings of this meta-analysis should be interpreted with caution due to the low quality of the evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The shortening of the pectoralis minor muscle (PMi-M) and weakening of the lower trapezius muscle (LTr-M) affect scapular movement, resulting in the development of a rounded shoulder posture and reduction in the shoulder flexion range of motion (SFROM). Objective: This study evaluated the combined effect of LTr-M strengthening and PMi-M stretching on correcting the rounded shoulder postures and SFROM among young Saudi females. Methods: This study was based on a two-arm parallel-group repeated measures randomized comparative design. A total of sixty female participants with rounded shoulder postures were recruited and randomly allocated into groups 1 and 2 (n = 30/group). Each group performed supervised PMi-M stretching; however, group 2 performed a combination of LTr-M strengthening and PMi-M stretching. The outcomes, including rounded shoulder posture and SFROM, were assessed using the pectoralis minor length test (PMLT) and universal goniometer. A repeated measure ANOVA was used to compare the differences within-group and between-group for the outcomes measures at one-week (baseline) pre-intervention, two weeks, and three -weeks post-intervention. The significance level was set at q > 2.00 and p < 0.05 for all respective statistical analyses. Results: The within-group comparison revealed significant improvements (q > 2.00) in the outcomes of PMLT and SFROM when comparing their post-intervention scores to the baseline scores. The between-group comparison revealed a significant and an insignificant (q < 2.00) difference in the outcomes of PMLT and SFROM, respectively when comparing their scores at the second- and third-week post-intervention. Furthermore, the effect size of the intervention suggests an advantage of group 2 over group 1 in increasing the resting length of the PMi-M only among young Saudi females. Conclusions: The combined effect of LTr-M strengthening and PMi-M stretching was more beneficial than PMi-M stretching alone in correcting the rounded shoulder posture among young Saudi females by increasing PMi-M resting length. However, it could not yield a differential improvement in the SFROM outcome among them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forward Neck and Rounded Shoulder is one of an incorrect posture. Craniovertebral angle, rounded shoulder posture measurement and posture screen mobile are the types of outcome measures to assess the conditions. To find the effect of the Muscle Energy Technique and Stabilization Exercise on the forward neck and rounded shoulder for elite swimmers. Study Design: Experimental study. Method: The study design was an experimental study, 30 male elite swimmers were selected from Pondicherry Swimming Pool Academy, They were allocated divided into two groups, Group A (n=15) Muscle Energy Technique and Stabilization Exercise Group B (n=15) Conventional treatment, 3 sessions in a week for 6week, The outcome measure (Craniovertebral angle, Rounded Shoulder Posture Measurement and posture screen mobile) were measured in pre and post-test for 6 week period. Results: Data analysis was done by unpaired 't' test and paired 't' test for the between group and within the group analysis respectively, The statistic analysis done with unpaired 't' test within the Group A and Group B analyses is shown significance (p<0.01). Which shows that Group A must be significant than Group B, it have been concluded that Group A shows improvement in rounded shoulder and forward neck posture in elite swimmer with the outcome measures than Group B. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the Muscle Energy Technique and Stabilization Exercise (Group-A) shows more significant improvement in rounded shoulder and forward neck posture in elite swimmers when compared with conventional treatment (Group-B) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Forward head and rounded shoulder posture (FHRSP) is a common clinical postural misalignment. It leads to flexion posture of the spine which increases the amount of tension on the nerve roots, which inversely affects muscle strength and function of the upper extremity. So, this study was conducted to examine the effect of FHRSP on hand grip strength in asymptomatic young adults and to explore the relationship between the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and hand grip strength. Results There was no significant difference in hand grip strength between the groups (p = 0.812). There was no correlation between the CVA and right and left hand grip of the normal group (p = 0.840, 0.816 respectively), rounded shoulder posture (RSP) group (p = 0.523, 0.650 respectively), and FHRSP group (p = 0.855, 0.736 respectively). Regarding the right and left hand grip strength, there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.798, 0.826 respectively). The right hand grip strength was significantly higher than the left hand for all groups (p = 0.001). Conclusion This study displayed that hand grip strength was not affected by FHRSP nor RSP in asymptomatic young adults. Moreover, the degree of the CVA was not associated with an inverse effect on hand grip strength.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The frequency of neck pain increases in adolescents and young adults. Using smart phones and computers for a long time causes posture disorders such as rounded shoulder (RSP) and forward head postures, and these posture disorders cause neck pain. The aim of the study is to analyse the correlation between shoulder and neck angles and the stiffness of the upper trapezius and pectoralis minor muscles in patients with RSP. Method: Patients with neck pain examined by shear wave elastography were screened retrospectively. Patients with RSP were determined. Of these patients, whose had evaluated for shoulder and neck angles with a smart phone‐based photogrammetric method were assigned. Patients with a history of operation/trauma, connective tissue or neurological disease were excluded. A total of 39 female patients were included in the study. Age, height, weight, elastography measurements, cervical and shoulder angles were noted. Obtained data were statistically analysed with SPSS 22.0 program. Results: Cervical and shoulder angles of the patients were 52.2 ± 3.8 and 57.91 ± 9.4, respectively. The stiffness of the right and left upper trapezius muscles and right and left pectoralis minor muscles were 42.5 ± 14.1, 47.1 ± 17.1, 20.5 ± 8.0 and 17.9 ± 8.4, respectively. In multiple regression analysis, it was observed that the stiffness of the left upper trapezius muscle was positively correlated with the shoulder angle. Conclusion: The upper trapezius muscle stiffness increased in RSP. It can reveal the relationship between RSP and neck pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMSD) are a common problem for the pianist. The poor upper body ergonomics influences the natural positioning of the neck and shoulders, which involves forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP). This misaligned position could produce a sensation of pain over the upper body, which affects the piano player and computer users with similar ergonomic posture. Recently, photogrammetry methods are commonly applied in a clinical setting to assess posture. The goal of this research is to compare the upper body playing-related musculoskeletal disorders between the piano and the non-piano players by applying photogrammetry. Materials and Methods. This causal-comparative study includes 70 participants with 35 piano and 35 non-piano players. The participant's FHP was assessed using a digitized photo to record the Craniovertebral angle (CVA) with the support of Kinovea software. Besides, digital Vernier Calliper used to assess the scapular index on the RSP and Neck disability indices (NDI) used to measure neck pain and functional disability of the participants. Results. The findings showed piano players have a higher NDI, lower CVA, and RSP when compared with the non-piano players at a statistically significant level of p-value <0.05. Conclusion. The obtained results conclude piano players are highly prone to the risk of developing PRMSD in the upper body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rounded shoulder posture (RSP) causes an imbalance of the adjacent joints due to the malalignment of the shoulder joint, and thus affects the strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rounded shoulder taping (RST) on shoulder posture and muscle strength in junior baseball players. Nineteen junior baseball players participated in the study, which used a crossover design at an interval of 1 week. The participants were randomized to receive rounded shoulder taping (RST) and sham kinesiology taping (SKT) using kinesiology tape. RSP was measured using two 12-inch combination squares, and shoulder peak torques were measured by isokinetic equipment. The results showed that RST led to significant changes in RSP (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed with SKT (p < 0.05). RST led to significant changes in the peak torques of external rotation and internal rotation of the shoulder (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed with SKT (p < 0.05). These results suggest that RST could help to correct RSP and improve peak torque of external and internal rotation of the shoulders of junior baseball players with RSP.

Purpose: Altered kinematics of the scapula or scapular dyskinesis (downward rotation, anterior tilt, and protraction) contribute to impingement syndrome by decreasing the subacromial space. Given the critical role of scapular position and movement in the function of the shoulder, the aim of this study was to compare scapular position and dyskinesis in individuals with and without rounded shoulder posture. Methods: By employing the convenience sampling method, 21 individuals with rounded shoulder posture (11 females and 10 males; average age: 22.95 years) and 23 individuals without rounded shoulder posture (13 females and 10 males; average age: 22.43 years) were enrolled in this study through a case-control design.The scapular dyskinesis test was used to observe alterations in scapulohumeral rhythm in the sagittal and frontal planes of the arm. Also, the scapular position was examined according to the Kibler test. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21. We used the Independent t-test and Mann-Whitney test to compare the differences between the two groups. Results: There were no differences in scapular dyskinesis between the two groups (P>0.05). The prevalence of subtle or obvious scapular dyskinesis in individuals with rounded shoulder posture was greater than those without rounded shoulder posture, but the difference was not statistically significant. Furthermore, no significant difference was found in static scapular position (Kibler test) of the dominant and non-dominant sides between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: There were no significant differences in scapular position and scapular movement pattern between the individuals with and without rounded shoulder posture.

Background: Rounded shoulder posture is a common abnormal posture in upper quarter. Kinesiotape is a new intervention that recently used in rehabilitation. There are no studies have examined the effect of kinesiotape on rounded shoulder posture. Therefore the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of scapular kinesiotaping and pectoralis minor stretching exercise on forward shoulder angle in female subjects with rounded shoulder posture. Methods: Twenty female students aged between 18 to 25 years old with rounded shoulder posture participated in this study. Then, the subjects were randomly and equally assigned to two groups: the stretch group and the stretch plus kinesiotape group. Both groups were trained for doing home exercise to stretch Pectoralis minor bilaterally for two weeks. Kinesiotape group received kinesiotape on scapular area additionally. Forward shoulder angle was measured in four sessions including pre-intervention (first session), immediately after the first intervention (second session), fourth day (third session) and at the end of two weeks (fourth session). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA (4×2) was used for data analysis. Results: kinesiotape group showed significant within-group decrease in forward shoulder angle between first session with three other sessions (P≤0.05).There was no significant within-group difference in stretch group and between groups (P=0.20) forward shoulder angle-by-group interaction in measurement sessions was significantly different (P=0.02) Conclusion: scapular kinesiotaping along with pectoralis minor stretching exercise improved rounded shoulder posture in subjects of the present study. kinesiotape is suggested as a complem

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of physical activity on forward head and rounded shoulder postures in healthy young adults. [Participants and Methods] We recruited 20 healthy young adults engaged in high levels of physical activity and 20 healthy young adults engaged in low levels of physical activity. Both groups completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to assess their physical activity levels. The scapular index (SI) was calculated to assess rounded shoulder posture, whereas the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was calculated to assess forward head posture. Differences in SI and CVA between the two groups were examined. [Results] There was a significant difference in the SI between the two groups, with the low physical activity group exhibiting a lower SI than the high physical activity group. However, there was no significant difference in the CVA between the two groups. [Conclusion] Our study showed that low physical activity levels in healthy young adults could negatively affect shoulder posture but not head posture. Therefore, regularly monitoring rounded shoulder posture in individuals with low physical activity levels is recommended for health considerations., Competing Interests: None., (2023©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

Study design: Single-blinded randomized controlled pilot study. Objectives: To examine the changes in pectoralis minor length (PML), the supine measurement of rounded shoulder posture (RSP), and the total scapular distance (TSD) in seated male workers with RSP, after rounded-shoulder-taping (RST) using kinesiology tape with (experimental taping) and without stretch (placebo taping). Background: RSP, a postural impairment, is a known cause of upper quarter pain. Methods: Fourteen men with RSP, who worked for at least 7 h/d in a seated position, were selected for RST, with the shoulders randomly assigned to two kinesiology taping methods: (1) with 35-40% stretch of its original length; and (2) without stretch. The PML, supine measurements of RSP, and TSD, before and after kinesiology taping, with and without stretch, were assessed. Results: Kinesiology taping with stretch significantly increased the PML and significantly decreased the supine measurement of RSP and TSD; kinesiology taping without stretch did not increase the PML significantly and did not decrease the supine measurement of RSP and TSD. Conclusion: RST using kinesiology tape with stretch produces immediate mechanical correction of RSP in seated male workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Sedentary workers are most prone to work-related musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: We report the case of a female sedentary worker with rounded shoulder posture (RSP) whose dominant upper back pain decreased after correction of her RSP with kinesiology taping.METHODS: We applied kinesiology taping around the patient's upper back and shoulder for 1 month (six times per week, each session lasting approximately 16 h) without any other interventions. RESULTS: After kinesiology taping, the RSP decreased progressively and the dominant upper back pain gradually disappeared. The patient no longer complained of dominant upper back pain during desk work. CONCLUSION: We believe that kinesiology taping may be used to enable recovery from dominant upper back pain in female sedentary workers with RSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rounded shoulder posture (RSP) causes an imbalance of the adjacent joints due to the malalignment of the shoulder joint, and thus affects the strength of the muscles surrounding the shoulder. This study aimed to investigate the effect of rounded shoulder taping (RST) on shoulder posture and muscle strength in junior baseball players. Nineteen junior baseball players participated in the study, which used a crossover design at an interval of 1 week. The participants were randomized to receive rounded shoulder taping (RST) and sham kinesiology taping (SKT) using kinesiology tape. RSP was measured using two 12-inch combination squares, and shoulder peak torques were measured by isokinetic equipment. The results showed that RST led to significant changes in RSP (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed with SKT (p < 0.05). RST led to significant changes in the peak torques of external rotation and internal rotation of the shoulder (p < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed with SKT (p < 0.05). These results suggest that RST could help to correct RSP and improve peak torque of external and internal rotation of the shoulders of junior baseball players with RSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: The obtained results conclude piano players are highly prone to the risk of developing PRMSD in the upper body., Results: The findings showed piano players have a higher NDI, lower CVA, and RSP when compared with the non-piano players at a statistically significant level of p-value <0.05., Objective: Playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMSD) are a common problem for the pianist. The poor upper body ergonomics influences the natural positioning of the neck and shoulders, which involves forward head posture (FHP) and rounded shoulder posture (RSP). This misaligned position could produce a sensation of pain over the upper body, which affects the piano player and computer users with similar ergonomic posture. Recently, photogrammetry methods are commonly applied in a clinical setting to assess posture. The goal of this research is to compare the upper body playing-related muscu-loskeletal disorders between the piano and the non-piano players by applying photogrammetry., Materials and Methods: This causal-comparative study includes 70 participants with 35 piano and 35 non-piano players. The participant's FHP was assessed using a digitized photo to record the Craniovertebral angle (CVA) with the support of Kinovea software. Besides, digital Vernier Calliper used to assess the scapular index on the RSP and Neck disability indices (NDI) used to measure neck pain and functional disability of the participants.

Background: Altered scapular kinematics in individuals with rounded shoulder posture (RSP) may affect acromiohumeral distance (AHD). The purpose of this study was to compare AHD and scapular dyskinesis prevalence in individuals with and without RSP. Methods: A total of 44 women (RSP, n=21; control, n=23) participated in the study. RSP was assessed by measuring acromion to table distance (ATD) in supine position and forward shoulder angle (FSA) using a camera and the AutoCAD software from the lateral side. According to these measurements, ATD more than 2.6 cm and FSA equal or more than 52° were considered as RSP. AHD was measured via ultrasonography with the arm at rest and 90 º of active elevation in scapular plane (scaption). Also, scapular dyskinesis was assessed by Uhl yes/no rating system. Independent and paired t tests were used to compare AHD between and within groups' comparisons, respectively. Chi-square test was used to compare the scapular dyskinesis prevalence in individuals with or without RSP. The data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software version 17. Significance level was set at 0.05 Results: There were no statistically significant differences in participants' AHD in rest position (dominant side, p=0.187, nondominant side, p=0.144) and 90° scaption (dominant side, p=0.144, nondominant side, p=0.182) in each side between the 2 groups. Also, the results of chi-square test showed that there were not any significant differences in the prevalence of scapular dyskinesis during shoulder flexion (dominant side, p=0.653, nondominant side, p=0.541) and shoulder abduction (dominant side, p=0.141, nondominant side, p=0.277) in individuals with and without rounded shoulder postures. Conclusion: According to our results, RSD cannot lead to reduced AHD and higher prevalence of scapular dyskinesis., (© 2020 Iran University of Medical Sciences.)