Biomechanical Influences of a Postural Compression Garment on Scapular Positioning

Abstract

Background:The scapula is a critical link utilized in the kinetic chain to achieve efficient overhead movement and transfer energy from the lower extremity to the upper extremity. Additionally, daily activities such as sitting at a computer or driving in a car may negatively influence an individual's ability to maintain proper body posture and therefore compromise those movements. To reduce these negative influences, posture garments have been designed to cue the individual in maintaining and improving posture and alignment, specifically targeting scapular positioning.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare scapular positioning between an IntelliSkin™ posture-cueing compression garment and a generic performance garment on scapular kinematics during static standing. Study Design: Case control.Methods: Forty active females (1.68 ± 0.07 m; 67.29 ± 11.25 kg) stood in a natural standing position while wearing two different garments: IntelliSkin™ posture-cueing compression garment and a generic performance garment. Kinematic data were collected at 100 Hz using an electromagnetic tracking system (trakSTAR™, Ascension Technologies, Inc., Burlington, VT, USA) synced with The MotionMonitor ® (Innovative Sports Training, Chicago, IL., USA). Results:Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed a statistically significant Shirt by Side interaction for scapular protraction/retraction (F(1,39) = 52.91, p ≤ 0.05) and main-effect of Shirt for scapula anterior/posterior tilt (F(1,39) = 96.45, p ≤ 0.05). Individuals showed increased retraction and posterior tilt while wearing the IntelliSkin™ posture-cueing compression garment. Conclusion:The results of the current study indicate that the IntelliSkin™ posture-cueing compression garment improved scapular positioning during static standing posture. The IntelliSkin™ posture-cueing compression garment may provide clinicians an adjunct strategy to include with rehabilitative protocols. Level of Evidence: Diagnosis, Level 3

The use of posture-correcting shirts for managing musculoskeletal pain is not supported by current evidence – a scoping review of the literature

“…The quality of the included studies ranged from poor [22,23], to fair [24][25][26] to good [27] (Table 3). The risk of bias was considered serious [23][24][25][26], critical [22] or with some concerns [27] (Table 4).…”

“…Pain was not measured in any of the included studies but, discomfort was measured in one study [22]. Function was measured as internal rotation speed of the shoulder [24], handgrip strength and postural fatigue [23], activity of axioscapular muscles [27] and position of head, shoulder or scapula [23,25,26]. For pain, the evidence was downgraded based on study design (−1), risk of bias (−2), indirectness (−1) and imprecision (−2).…”

“…a Authors set the level of significance to p < 0.1 on the premise that it was an exploratory study. on reduced forward shoulder and head postures and [23,27], reduced thoracic kyphosis [23] and increased scapular retraction and posterior tilt [26]. However, the only available studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were studies in which only healthy, asymptomatic subjects participated and, these studies were of low quality (Table 3).…”

Fit and Pressure Comfort Evaluation on a Virtual Prototype of a Tight-Fit Cycling Shirt

“…Garment fi t and pressure comfort have been identifi ed as among the important attributes for tight-fi t sportswear [1]. Compression is a result of forces generated during dynamic interactions between the body and forces involved in the garment strain and consequently induce pressure sensations.…”

“…It has a great impact on overall clothing comfort, and if the pressure is too high or too low, it does not meet functionality requirements. Tight-fi t sportswear is reported to provide the body with suitable support and compression to accelerate blood circulation, hence improving sports performance, improving posture, and preventing injury [1][2][3][4][5]. Since the 19th century, compression therapy has been widely used [6][7][8].…”