Comparison of Scapular Posture between Individuals with and without Forward Head Posture Using a Clinical Test

Document Type : Original article

Authors

1 MSc Student in Physical Therapy, Department of Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Faculty, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Faculty, Iran University of Medical Sciences

3 Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Faculty, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aim: According to the modern life style that includes lack of adequate physical activity, incorrect position while working with computer, and long term driving, forward head posture is a whidespread problem. As forward head posture can change the vertebral column position in sagittal plane and muscle length-tension and it may change kinematic of scapula and incorrect scapular kinematic can lead to shoulder pathologies and shoulder pain, it is important to recognize the scapular kinematic in patients with forward head posture. The aim of the present study was to evaluate scapular kinematic in patients with forward head posture using lateral scapular slide test and the compare it with that in healthy individuals.
 
Materials and methods: A total of 45 women with forward head posture and 45 matched healthy individuals participated in the present study. To evaluate and diagnose the forward head posture, photography method was used and to evaluate scapular kinematic, lateral scapular slide test was used.
Results:There was a significant difference in the asymmetry of scapula in all test positions of lateral scapular slide test between the two groups.
Conclusion: Our results indicated that the forward head posture can cause more asymmetry of the scapula and so it is important to evaluate scapular kinematic in these patients.

Keywords

Main Subjects


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Volume 7, Issue 1
March and April 2018
Pages 208-215
  • Receive Date: 11 November 2016
  • Revise Date: 15 January 2017
  • Accept Date: 02 August 2017
  • First Publish Date: 21 March 2018