• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.1-8
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• 2018

Background: Round shoulder posture, results from excessive flexed posture of the thorax, is defined as a position of scapular protraction, anterior tipping, and downward rotation. However, previous studies have focused on only passive position of the thorax during scapular posterior tilting (SPT) and have not reported on SPT combined with correction of flexed posture. Objects: The aim of this study was to compare effects of SPT and SPT with prone trunk extension (SPT + PTE) on activities of the lower trapezius, serratus anterior, and thoracic erector spinae and degree of posture in subjects with round shoulder and flexed posture. Methods: Fifteen subjects with round shoulder and flexed posture were recruited. The caliper was used to measure the degree of round shoulder and flexed posture. Electromyography was performed to collect data of muscle activities. Paired t-test was used to compare two exercise (${\alpha}=.05$). Results: When SPT + PTE was applied, the degree of round shoulder posture (p=.001) and flexed posture (p=.039) significantly decreased compared with that when SPT was applied. The lower trapezius activity significantly increased in the SPT + PTE condition compared with that in the SPT condition (p=.026). There were no significant differences in serratus anterior activity between SPT + PTE and SPT. The thoracic erector spinae activity significantly increased in the SPT + PTE condition compared with that in the SPT condition (p=.014). Conclusion: SPT + PTE might be one of the effective methods to enhance activities of lower trapezius and thoracic erector spinae, and to reduce round shoulder posture and flexed posture in subjects with round shoulder and flexed posture.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.159-169
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• 2023

Purpose: The study examined the effect of dynamic taping and Kinesio Taping intervention on round shoulder posture, pectoralis minor length, craniovertebral angle, and balance in 20s adults with rounded shoulder posture. Methods: A total of 20s Adults with rounded shoulder posture were recruited and randomized to Group I (n = 15) and Group II (n = 15). Group I performed dynamic taping. Group II performed Kinesio Taping. Round shoulder posture and pectoralis minor length were measured using a tape measure. The craniovertebral angle was measured using a goniometer. Balance was measured using Biorescue. Results: As a result of comparison within groups, groups I and II showed a significant difference for round shoulder posture, pectoralis minor length, craniovertebral angle, and balance after the experiment (p < 0.05). In a comparison between the two groups, the experimental group showed a more significant difference in round shoulder posture, pectoralis minor length, craniovertebral angle, and balance than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that dynamic taping intervention was effective in round shoulder posture, pectoralis minor length, craniovertebral angle, and balance in 20s adults with rounded shoulder posture.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.391-397
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• 2022

Purpose: Recently, as a result of the use of smart devices, the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases in areas such as the neck and shoulders has increased. A common effect is rounded shoulder posture, which badly affects the movement and posture of the scapula, causing musculoskeletal disease. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of three shoulder brace products on rounded shoulder posture. Methods: A total of 12 subjects comprising men and women in their 20s with round shoulder posture participated in this study. Three shoulder brace designs were selected, and the height change of the shoulder acromion in the lying state before and after wearing the braces was measured. Effectiveness verification was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The results confirmed that the different shoulder brace designs had different effects on round shoulder posture. Conclusion: Currently, numerous designs of shoulder braces are being sold, but their effects have not been verified. In the future, more diverse designs of shoulder braces should be studied, and effective shoulder brace designs should be developed and used.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.205-213
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• 2021

Purpose: This study investigated the immediate effects of a figure-8 shoulder brace and taping intervention on round shoulder posture, thoracic kyphosis, and chest expansion mobility in forward head posture. Methods: Thirty patients with forward head posture were assigned randomly to the figure-8 shoulder brace group (n = 15) or the taping intervention group (n = 15). Patients were assessed for forward head posture, shoulder posture, thoracic kyphosis, and chest expansion. Results: The figure-8 shoulder brace and taping intervention groups showed a significant difference for forward head posture, shoulder posture, and thoracic kyphosis after the experiment (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that a figure-8 shoulder brace and taping intervention has a positive effect on rounded shoulder posture, thoracic kyphosis, and chest expansion in patients with forward head posture.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.17-25
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• 2021

Background: The purpose of this study is to investigate basic data about the effects of muscle energy technique on the shoulder complex range of motion and posture alignment in the round shoulder posture. Methods: The subjects included 15 women that gave consent to participate in the study voluntarily. They performed the muscle energy technique for 30 minutes twice. The round shoulder posture was measured with a straight edge ruler. The shoulder complex range of motion was measured with the apley scratch test. The forward head posture was measured with ImageJ. The pectoralis minor muscle length was measured with a tape measure. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the round shoulder posture both right and left (p<.05). The experiment group showed statistically significant differences in the pectoralis minor muscle length (p<.05). There were significant differences in the shoulder complex range of motion including flexion, left lateral flexion, right lateral flexion, left side bending, and right side bending (p<.05), but no significant differences were found in extension (p>.05). The forward head posture showed significant differences in CVA changes (p<.05) and no significant differences in CRA changes (p>.05). Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the muscle energy technique relaxed muscles around the shoulders and increased the shoulder complex range of motion. The technique is also expected to prevent pain in the neck and shoulders and lower injury risk. In conclusion, the muscle energy technique can be applied as an effective intervention for round shoulder posture.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.59-67
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• 2023

Background: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of shoulder and neck stabilization exercise using a gym ball for healthy women in their 20s with round shoulder and forward head posture, it is intended to try and find improvement for posture. Methods: The subjects of the study were 25 women who understood the purpose of the research and voluntarily agreed to participate in the experiment. They carried out the shoulder and neck stabilization exercise program using a gym ball, which was conducted for 35 minutes, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The position of the round shoulder and shoulder bones was measured using an tape measurement and were recorded in both at pre, 2 weeks, and post intervention. The craniovertebral angle (CVA) and craniorotational angle (CRA) was measured using an image J. Results: The round shoulder posture left was statistically significantly different within group (p<.05); however, the round shoulder posture right wasn't statistically significantly different (p>.05). As a result of this contrast, test were significant different in both at pre, 2 weeks and post. The scapular position on the left and right were statistically significantly different within the group (p<.05). As a result of the contrast, test were significant different in both at pre, 2 weeks and post (p<.05). The CVA and CRA on the left and right were statistically significantly different within the group (p<.05). As a result of the contrast, test were significant different in both at pre, 2 weeks and post (p<.05). Conclusion: The gym ball exercises improved the posture of women in their 20s. Therefore, gym ball exercises can help improve the quality of life of those with shoulder and neck pain.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.83-88
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• 2023

Purpose: This study was to investigate the effect of forward head posture (FHP) and round shoulder posture (RSP) on changes in muscle activities according to shoulder flexion and abduction tasks. Methods: Twenty-two male subjects with no history of neurological, musculoskeletal surgery or injuries, or pain in the spine region within the previous 3-month periods were recruited for this study. Craniovertebral angle (CVA) and Scapula Index were measured before performing 90° abduction and flexion tasks holding a 3kg dumbbell. Muscle activities were measured during the tasks. All measurements except height of the acromion were carried out in a sitting position at the height of the subject's knee angle of 90 degrees, and two tasks were randomly performed with the arm that the subject mainly use to throw the ball. The abduction and flexion angles were checked by the examiner using a goniometer beside the subject. Results: Correlation coefficient analysis between Scapular Index and upper trapezius muscle activity during shoulder abduction task showed significant positive correlation. No significant correlation was observed between CVA, Scapular Index, and other muscle activities. Conclusion: FHP showed increased muscle activation, making it difficult to change muscle activity under lower loads, and RSP was correlated with UT activation in shoulder abduction. Therefore, in the RSP, the loaded shoulder abduction is considered a potential risk factor for increasing shoulder muscle tension. This paper proposes an approach to treating RSP before FHP.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.148-154
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• 2021

Purpose: This study covered the effect of shoulder stabilization exercise on muscle activity, postural alignment and self-efficacy of the elderly people with round shoulders by visiting village hall in rural area. Methods: 40 elderly people with round shoulders were recruited for this study (experimental group: 20 subjects and control group: 20 subjects). The experimental group was asked to perform shoulder stabilization exercise 60 minutes per one time for 8 weeks and three times in a week and the control group was asked to receive education related to pain management for the initial one time. Before and after the experiment, we measured the subjects' muscle activity of upper trapezius, serratus anterior, infraspinatus, pectoralis major and the lower trapezius, then postural alignment of craniovertebral angle and round shoulder posture. In addition, self-efficacy is measured through the questionnaire. Results: Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significant differences in the muscle activity of all muscles, posture alignment of the craniovertebral angle. round shoulder posture, and improvement of self-efficacy. Conclusion: We found that shoulder stabilization exercise is effective in muscle activity, postural alignment and self-efficacy of the elderly people through visit-rehabilitation service. This study can be used for improving the physical and mental abilities through active visit-rehabilitation service for areas where have poor medical benefits. It is considered that systematic visit rehabilitation service should have institutional framework ultimately.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.1-16
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• 2022

Background: This study was conducted to examine the correlation of VDT, posture and shoulder function among each group divided by according to the neck pain disorder index (NDI) scores for female patients with neck pain. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty adult women with neck pain voluntarily participated in this study and the neck pain disorder index questionnaire, VDT syndrome assessment tool questionnaire, craniovertebral angle, thoracic kyphosis angle, round shoulder posture, pectoralis minor length, shoulder joint hypermobility, and serratus anterior strength tests were conducted respectively. Subjects were divided into two groups where 21 subjects were allocated to the mild pain group whom have rated below 14 points on the NDI scores, and 29 subjects were in the severe pain group, whom have rated above 15 on the NDI score. Results: The study found that in the mean difference between variables in each group, VDT syndrome showed a higher mean score in the severe pain group than the mild pain group (p<0.05). In the group correlation and regression analysis, the mild pain group showed a significant negative correlation between the craniovertebral angle and round shoulder posture (r=-0.467, p<0.05), and the round shoulder posture for craniovertebral angle was shown to have significant positive influence (B=10.162, p<0.05). The severe pain group showed that the NDI and the VDT syndrome had a significant amount of correlation (r=0.520, p<0.01), the VDT syndrome showed significant positive influence (B=0.330, p<0.05), and the craniovertebral angle showed significant negative influence (B=-0.809, p<0.05). It was also shown that shoulder joint hypermobility had a significant negative correlation with the serratus anterior strength (r=-0.437, p<0.01), and that serratus anterior strength had a significant negative influence on shoulder joint hypermobility (B=-4.175, p<0.05). Conclusion: This study is of clinical significance in that it presented variables that should be considered depending on the degree of neck pain in treating patients with neck pain and that it presented patients with not only posture but also the function of the shoulder joint as factors to consider.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.1-17
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• 2023

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare how the shoulder height and respiratory function are affected by applying shoulder stabilization exercises and core stabilization exercises that are effective for strengthening the trunk muscles and postural stability for adults with a round shoulder posture (RSP). METHODS: The participants were 28 young adults with RSP. They were assigned randomly to two groups: shoulder stabilization exercise and core stabilization exercise. They performed the exercises for 30 minutes twice a week for four weeks. They measured the shoulder height and respiratory function before and after exercise. RESULTS: No significant difference in shoulder height was found between the groups. A significant decrease in shoulder height was found in the shoulder stabilization exercise group after exercise. The core stabilization exercise group showed a significant decrease after exercise. In respiratory function, no significant difference was found between the groups. The forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) were increased significantly in the shoulder stabilization exercise group before and after exercise. The FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, and peak expiratory flow were significantly higher in the shoulder stabilization exercise group after exercise than in the core stabilization exercise group. CONCLUSION: Shoulder stabilization exercise and core stabilization exercise improved the postural alignment and pulmonary function, and the exercises could be helpful in shoulder rehabilitation as well as the clinical part of the treatment of rounded shoulder posture.