Effect of Interferential Therapy and Elastic Band Exercises on Subjects with Round Shoulder and Forward Head Posture: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

which leads to RSP are characterized as protraction, downward rotation, and anterior tipping of scapula and this may increase upper thoracic kyphosis and cervical lordosis. These factors are the major predisposing 7 factors which leads to upper quadrant pain too. Photographic posture analysis is a basic observational 8 method to detect the FHP with reliability of >0.972. Interferential therapy (IFT) is an established therapy which is used to treat pain. This is also effective for 9 providing relaxation of muscles and reducing pain. Addition of resistance exercises are used to strengthen the muscles using dumbbells, weight cuffs and resistance bands. These helps improve strength, 10 flexibility, and also balance. With elastic band a postural program and a combination of strengthening ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the effect of the Interferential therapy (IFT) with elastic band exercises to improve round shoulder posture (RSP) and forward head posture (FHP) in university female students. Methods: A randomized trial was conducted at a state university in Haryana, India from July-October 2021. Females having FHP and RSP were included in the study. Subjects were divided into two groups. Group A performed elastic band exercises for 10 repetitions each twice weekly for four weeks along with IFT application for 10 minutes. While group B performed only elastic band exercises. Various Round Shoulder measurements, Craniovertebral angle (CVA) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) were assessed.2 Results: Of 30 females, the mean age, weight, and BMI was 19.56±3.14 years, 50.83±9.13 Kg and 19.6±3.23 Kg/m respectively.The distance between 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3) and acromion was significantly improved in group A as compared to group B, i.e., 2.80 ±0.86 vs. -1.47 ±1.98 (p-value 0.020), respectively. However, an insignificant association of group A and B was found with distance from couch to acromion (p-value 0.590), distance from rd thoracic 3 level to inferior angle of scapula (p-value 0.630), CVA (p-value 0.130), and NDI (p-value 0.550). Conclusion: Four weeks of intervention have significantly improved the distance between the T3 and the acromion process parameters for both round shoulder and FHP in both groups. However, other parameters were not statistically improved but clinical improved in patients who received elastic band exercises combined with IFT.

Effects of the combination of traditional Thai massage, scapular stabilization exercise, and chest mobilization in subjects with forward head posture: a single-blinded randomized clinical trial

“…The other possibility is that the sample demographic in this study was asymptomatic. Therefore, such findings of the current study may not be in line with those of previous studies [ 3 , 6 , 7 ].…”

“…Pawaria et al [ 6 , 7 ] reported that a six-week cervical stabilization exercise program was effective in improving FHP, pulmonary function, and respiratory muscle strength in patients with chronic neck pain associated with FHP. Joshi and Sheth [ 3 ] demonstrated that 12 weeks of McKenzie self-treatment could improve FHP and increase peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in adolescent girls with FHP. These conflicting findings may be due to the duration of treatment provided in the present trial (a four-week program) not being sufficient to make changes in FVC in subjects with FHP.…”

“…It causes an increased load on the cervical spine, which can lead to spinal degeneration [ 1 ]. This condition is associated with frequent use of smartphones and computers for long periods of time [ 1 – 3 ]. A previous study of the incidence of FHP found that ranged from 66 to 85% in healthy participants [ 4 ].…”

“…A previous study of the incidence of FHP found that ranged from 66 to 85% in healthy participants [ 4 ]. Joshi and Sheth [ 3 ] found FHP in approximately 63% of Indian high school students. In addition, the prevalence of FHP among physical therapy students at Mae Fah Luang University, was found to be 65.31% [ 5 ].…”

Effects of Telerehabilitation Combining Diaphragmatic Breathing Re-Education and Shoulder Stabilization Exercises on Neck Pain, Posture, and Function in Young Adult Men with Upper Crossed Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Resistance bands can be used in combination with posture programs that include strengthening and stretching exercises to correct FHP. Resistance bands can improve functional activity, strength, and balance [ 16 ]. In individuals with UCS, certain muscles, such as the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), scalene, pectoralis minor, and upper trapezius (UT), can become overactive during breathing, leading to reduced activation of the diaphragm, which is the primary dynamic muscle involved in breathing [ 17 ].…”