Four weeks of exercise regimen for sedentary workers with rounded shoulder posture: a randomized controlled study.

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Rounded shoulder (RS) posture is a prevalent issue linked to neck and shoulder pathologies.
• Mechanical correction taping (MCT) is a common therapeutic approach, but its impact on muscle stiffness remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of MCT using different tape fabrics, alongside exercise, on upper trapezius and pectoralis minor muscle stiffness.
• To assess the impact of these interventions on the posture of sedentary workers.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving 39 sedentary workers with RS posture.
• Intervention groups received taping (performance or classic tape) twice weekly plus home exercises for 4 weeks.
• Control group performed only home exercises; posture and muscle stiffness were measured using specialized tools.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in posture (acromion distance and shoulder angle) were observed over time in the performance tape and control groups.
• Significant improvements in upper trapezius stiffness were noted over time in the classic tape and control groups.
• No significant differences in muscle stiffness or posture were found between the taping intervention groups and the control group post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Adding scapular MCT to postural exercises did not yield superior results compared to exercises alone for improving muscle stiffness or posture in sedentary workers.
• The findings suggest that MCT, in conjunction with exercise, may not be more effective than exercise alone for correcting RS posture and associated muscle stiffness.