Effects of scapular stabilization exercise on neck posture and muscle activation in individuals with neck pain and forward head posture

Boyoung Im, Young Kim, Yijung Chung, Sujin Hwang, Boyoung Im, Young Kim, Yijung Chung, Sujin Hwang

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of scapular stabilization exercise on neck posture, muscle activity, pain, and quality of life in individuals with neck pain and forward head posture. [Subjects and Methods] Fifteen participants were recruited according to the selection criteria and were randomly allocated to the scapular stabilization group (n=8) and the control group (n=7). The scapular stabilization group underwent training for 30 minutes a day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks; the control group performed relaxation exercises for 4 weeks. [Results] After training the scapular stabilization group showed significant improvement on the craniovertebral angle, upper trapezius muscle activity, serratus anterior muscle activity, Neck Disability Index scores, Visual Analog Scale scores, and World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-BREF scores compared to those in the control group. [Conclusion] Scapular stabilization exercise can help improve the head posture and pain in the patients with neck pain and forward head posture. Controlling the muscular activities through scapular stabilization exercise also improves the patients' quality of life.

Keywords: Forward head posture; Neck pain; Scapular stabilization exercise.

References

    1. Szeto GP, Straker LM, O’Sullivan PB: EMG median frequency changes in the neck-shoulder stabilizers of symptomatic office workers when challenged by different physical stressors. J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 2005, 15: 544–555.
    1. Kim D, Cho M, Park Y, et al. : Effect of an exercise program for posture correction on musculoskeletal pain. J Phys Ther Sci, 2015, 27: 1791–1794.
    1. Yoo WG: Effect of the neck retraction taping (NRT) on forward head posture and the upper trapezius muscle during computer work. J Phys Ther Sci, 2013, 25: 581–582.
    1. Lindstrøm R, Schomacher J, Farina D, et al. : Association between neck muscle coactivation, pain, and strength in women with neck pain. Man Ther, 2011, 16: 80–86.
    1. Thigpen CA, Padua DA, Michener LA, et al. : Head and shoulder posture affect scapular mechanics and muscle activity in overhead tasks. J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 2010, 20: 701–709.
    1. Gong WT, Jun IS, Choi YR: An analysis of the correlation between humeral head anterior glide posture and elbow joint angle, forward head posture and glenohumeral joint range of motion. J Phys Ther Sci, 2013, 25: 489–491.
    1. Helgadottir H, Kristjansson E, Einarsson E, et al. : Altered activity of the serratus anterior during unilateral arm elevation in patients with cervical disorders. J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 2011, 21: 947–953.
    1. Andersen CH, Andersen LL, Mortensen OS, et al. : Protocol for shoulder function training reducing musculoskeletal pain in shoulder and neck: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 2011, 12: 14.
    1. Ekstrom RA, Soderberg GL, Donatelli RA: Normalization procedures using maximum voluntary isometric contractions for the serratus anterior and trapezius muscles during surface EMG analysis. J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 2005, 15: 418–428.
    1. Decker MJ, Hintermeister RA, Faber KJ, et al. : Serratus anterior muscle activity during selected rehabilitation exercises. Am J Sports Med, 1999, 27: 784–791.
    1. Wegner S, Jull G, O’Leary S, et al. : The effect of a scapular postural correction strategy on trapezius activity in patients with neck pain. Man Ther, 2010, 15: 562–566.
    1. Holtermann A, Mork PJ, Andersen LL, et al. : The use of EMG biofeedback for learning of selective activation of intra-muscular parts within the serratus anterior muscle: a novel approach for rehabilitation of scapular muscle imbalance. J Electromyogr Kinesiol, 2010, 20: 359–365.
    1. Haldeman S, Carroll L, Cassidy JD, et al. The bone and joint dacade 2000–2010 task force on neck pain and its associated disorders: executive summary. Spine, 2008, 33: S5–S7.

Source: PubMed

Patrocinadores e Colaboradores

Condições médicas

Intervenções de drogas

3
Se inscrever