Effect of Static Stretching Versus Hold-Relax Technique on Pectoral Muscle Flexibility in Forward Round Shoulder Posture

Author: Sam Thamburaj A., Prabhakaradoss D., Mallika. S., Murali Sankar K.S.I., Seetha Lakshmi P. and Aswini M.

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Abstract

The forward round shoulder is an abnormal posture seen most commonly in association with altered scapular kinematics. Peculiar kinematics of the scapula occurs due to tightness of the pectoral muscles. Changes in the shoulder position would cause increased stress, which results in impingement syndromes. Muscle tightness is predominant in the alteration of scapular kinematics. Stretching plays a role in relieving tightness. Traditionally static stretching is recommended, but proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, the Hold-Relax technique, is used as an alternative measure that would bring back the muscle length. So, the purpose of this study is to identify the effect of static stretching versus hold-relax technique on pectoral muscle flexibility in forwarding round shoulder posture. Fifty-two volunteers were selected for the experimental research based on the predetermined selection criteria. They all were divided randomly into two groups: static stretching group (SSG) and Hold-Relax group (HRG). Standardizing the duration, frequency, and intensity of the interventions was challenging to ensure consistent application across participants. The study was carried out for eight weeks, and the outcomes were shoulder external rotation range of motion using a universal goniometer. Forward shoulder posture was measured using the sahrmann technique. The result of the study calculated using SPSS 20.0, and the results show that external shoulder rotation is 11.9 with (p < 0.05) and sahrmann technique is 15.01 (p<0.05). Thus, this study concluded that there were significant differences noted in both groups. Comparing the groups, the hold-relax technique (HRG) has significantly improved compared with static stretching (SSG).

Keywords

Pectoralis muscle tightness, Hold-relax technique, Static stretching, Sahrmann technique, Shoulder external rotation

Conclusion

This study, involving 52 volunteers with forward, round shoulder posture, divided into static stretching and Hold-Relax groups, measured shoulder external rotation range of motion and assessed forward posture. The results of the study, analysed using SPSS 20.0, revealed significant improvements in both external shoulder rotation (11.9, p < 0.05) and forward shoulder posture (15.01, p < 0.05) in both groups. However, the Hold-Relax group (HRG) showed significantly greater improvements compared to the static stretching group (SSG). Therefore, based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the Hold-Relax technique is more effective than static stretching in improving pectoral muscle flexibility and addressing forward, round shoulder posture. These results highlight the potential benefits of incorporating the Hold-Relax technique as part of rehabilitation and management strategies for individuals with altered scapular kinematics and forward shoulder posture.

References

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How to cite this article

Sam Thamburaj A., Prabhakaradoss D., Mallika. S., Murali Sankar K.S.I., Seetha Lakshmi P. and Aswini M. (2023). Effect of Static Stretching Versus Hold-Relax Technique on Pectoral Muscle Flexibility in Forward Round Shoulder Posture. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5): 1406-1410.