A Comparative Study Of Muscle Energy Technique Versus Static Stretching Along With Resistance Band On Correction Of Rounded Shoulders In Smart Phone Users.

Abstract

Background^: Abnormal positioning of the shoulder such as protracted shoulder also known as rounded shoulders is a position in which the shoulders are tipped forward, pivoted inwards and elevated scapulae lead to a resultant reduction in upward rotation during rest and dynamic movement. Protracted shoulders is a lead cause to an increase in distance between the inferior angle of the scapula and the spinous process of the vertebral column. Rounded Shoulder Posture may give rise to muscular imbalance and abnormal scapular kinematics as the position of the scapulae is altered in all the 3 planes of movement.

Methods: Interventions in correction of Rounded Shoulder Posture in Smartphone users are Muscle energy technique (MET), Static Stretching and Resistance Band Exercises. Aim was to evaluate the effect of MET along with Resistance band, Static Stretching along with Resistance band and with Resistance Band alone.  60 subjects were allocated into 3 groups- Group A (MET with Resistance Band), Group B (Static Stretching with Resistance Band) and Group C (Resistance Band alone). Treatment was given for 12 sessions, 6 sessions per week for 2 weeks. Participants were evaluated pre treatment and post 12^th session. Outcome measures were Acromial Distance, Pectoralis Minor Length and T3 Distance.

Results: The data was analysed statistically. In group comparison mean scores of pectoralis minor length showed that group B (static stretching along with resistance band exercises) involving the passive pectoral stretch was better when compared to the other groups.

Conclusion: In this study, concluded that, Static Stretching group combined with Resistance band strengthening exercises showed an improvement in Pectoralis Minor muscle length and contributed to correction in rounded shoulders.