title: Changes in upper-extremity muscle activities due to head position in subjects with a forward head posture and rounded shoulders.
abstract: [Purpose] This study investigated upper-extremity muscle activities in natural, ideal, and corrected head positions. [Subjects and Methods] Forty subjects with a forward head posture and rounded shoulder were recruited and randomly assigned to the natural head position group (n = 13), ideal head position group (n = 14), or corrected head position group (n = 13). Muscle activities were measured using a four-channel surface electromyography system at the sternocleidomastoideus, upper and lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles on the right side during an overhead reaching task. [Results] The muscle activities of the upper trapezius and serratus anterior differed significantly among head positions. Post hoc tests revealed significant differences between natural and ideal head positions, and natural and ideal head positions for both the upper trapezius and serratus anterior. [Conclusion] Recovery of normal upper trapezius and serratus anterior muscle functions plays an important role in correcting forward head posture and rounded shoulders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jung Won
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Cheongju University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sung Min
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Son
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Na Kyung
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Forward head posture; Muscle activity; Round shoulder