The effect of middle and lower trapezius strength exercises and levator scapulae and upper trapezius stretching exercises in upper crossed syndrome.
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of strength and stretching exercises on upper crossed syndrome. [Subjects and Methods] After measuring cervical alignment using the Global Posture System, 30 students with forward head posture were selected and divided into two groups. The experimental group (n=15) participated in strength and stretching exercises, three times per week for 4 weeks. The control group (n=15) did not participate in the exercises. The exercise program comprised middle and lower trapezius strength exercises and levator scapulae and upper trapezius stretching exercises. The temperature of the posterior neck was then measured using digital infrared thermographic imaging. [Results] There was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest results in the experimental group, and a significant difference in posterior neck temperature between the two groups. [Conclusion] This study showed that middle and lower trapezius strength exercises and levator scapulae and upper trapezius stretching exercises are more effective for upper crossed syndrome.
Department of Physical Therapy, Kyungnam College of Information and Technology, Republic of Korea.
Won-Sik
WS
Bae
Department of Physical Therapy, Catholic University of Pusan, Republic of Korea.
Hyun-Ok
HO
Lee
Department of Physical Therapy, Pusan Medical Center, Republic of Korea.
Jae-Wook
JW
Shin
Department of Physical Therapy, Kyungnam College of Information and Technology, Republic of Korea.
Keon-Cheol
KC
Lee
Strength exercise; Stretching exercise; Upper crossed syndrome