Four weeks of exercise regimen for sedentary workers with rounded shoulder posture: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Rounded shoulder (RS) posture causes neck and shoulder pathologies. Mechanical correction taping (MCT) is often incorporated into postural corrective therapies; however, its effects on muscle stiffness are unclear. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of MCT with different tape fabrics, along with exercise, on upper trapezius and pectoralis minor muscle stiffness and the posture of sedentary workers. DESIGN AND SETTING: A randomized controlled study was performed at Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey. METHODS: The study included 39 workers with RS posture. Two intervention groups (performance tape: PT and classic tape: CT) were taped twice a week and administered a home exercise program for 4 weeks. The control (C) group performed only home exercises. RS was measured using an acromion-testing table (AT), stiffness using shear wave elastography ultrasound, and shoulder angle (SA) using a smartphone application at baseline and 4 weeks. Time and group interactions were determined using 3 × 2 mixed analysis of variance. RESULTS: Intragroup analyses revealed a significant main effect of time on AT distance (η 2 = 0.445) and SA (η 2 = 0.325) in the PT and C groups (P < 0.05) and left upper trapezius stiffness (η 2 = 0.287) in the CT and C groups (P < 0.05). In the post hoc analyses, no difference was noted between the groups from baseline to 4 weeks (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Scapular MCT added to postural exercises did not show any difference between the intervention groups and controls in terms of muscle stiffness and posture in sedentary workers.

Effects of Cervical Stabilization and Scapular Stabilization Exercise on the Proprioception and Craniovertebral Angle and Upper Trapezius Muscle Tone of People with Forward Head Posture

“…A study of subjects with a CVA of less than 44 to 53° with severe FHP and There was no significant improvement in muscle tone in all the groups. CSE and SSE were performed in this study to improve FHP and decrease muscle tone according to previous studies [13,14], and the muscle tone of the upper trapezius was increased in people with FHP. A previous study observed decreased muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the upper trapezius during SSE [28], but there were no significant differences during SSE in the present study.…”

“…In contrast, the upper trapezius muscle, pectoralis major muscle, and levator scapulae muscle develop an imbalance pattern in the body, such as shortening [14]. Therefore, FHP can lead to postural imbalance, resulting in decreased proprioception.…”