Evaluation of scapular mobilization and comparison to pectoralis minor stretching in individuals with rounded shoulder posture: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Rounded shoulder posture (RSP) is a common postural condition which can alter scapular position. Although, there is no consensus on the relationship between posture and musculoskeletal dysfunction, some evidence suggests a significant relationship between RSP and shoulder dysfunction. Therefore, treatment of this postural condition is important. Various treatment methods are used to correct RSP. However, the effectiveness of scapular mobilization, (SM) as a method which can alter scapular kinematics, has not been investigated.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of SM on scapular resting position in individuals with RSP, and to compare this technique to pectoralis minor self-stretching (PMS), and combined SM + PMS.

Methods: 52 healthy students (18 men and 34 women; mean age 23.67 ± 6.73 years) with RSP were randomly assigned to four groups (SM, PMS, combined SM + PMS, control). The mobilization group received SM, the stretching group performed self-PMS, and the combined group received SM + PMS. The control group received no treatment. Kinematics data to measure scapular protraction (cm), anterior tilt (°), internal rotation (°), and downward rotation (°) were captured with a motion analysis system before and after 5 sessions of group intervention.

Results: All variables decreased significantly post-intervention compared to baseline values (P < 0.05). Internal rotation and downward rotation decreased significantly in the intervention groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the intervention groups.

Conclusion: SM appears to be an effective technique to change scapular resting position in individuals with RSP. However, this technique was not superior to PMS or a combination of SM + PMS.