Prompt Impact of Muscle Energy Technique on Pectoralis Muscle Tightness in Computer Users: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Tightness of the pectoralis minor muscle has been a common characteristic of abnormal posture. Prolonged inappropriate posture while using computers/laptops results in musculoskeletal problems, mainly in the upper limb. This study aims to see how the muscular energy technique affected pectoralis minor tightness in computer users right away. This study included 65 individuals aged 20-40 years following the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Participants received muscle energy technique for the pectoralis minor muscle. Pre- and post-assessment included the evaluation of pectoralis minor length, round shoulder posture (RSP), and forward head posture (FHP). We used the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test to assess the normality of data, as this study included > 50 participants. Data analysis was conducted using a paired t-test for within-group analysis. The outcome measures demonstrated significant improvement (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the muscle energy technique is effective in reducing muscle tightness, improving RSP and reducing FHP.

The Efficacy of Muscle Energy and Mulligan Mobilization Techniques for the Upper Extremities and Posture after Breast Cancer Surgery with Axillary Dissection: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…On the other hand, the improvements in the MET could be attributed to its relaxation effect according to neurophysiological mechanisms based on the stimulation of peripheral mechanoreceptors and the inhibition of nociceptors. Activation of the apical spinal neurons as a result of the effect of joint mobilization on the peripheral mechanoreceptors produces presynaptic inhibition of the nociceptive afferent activity, reducing pain, which could result in improving the shoulder biomechanics, ROM, and functional ability [32].…”