An Analysis of the Correlation between Humeral Head Anterior Glide Posture and Elbow Joint Angle, Forward Head Posture and Glenohumeral Joint Range of Motion

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between the humeral head anterior glide posture (HHAGP) and elbow joint angle (EJA), forward head posture (FHP), and glenohumeral joint (GHJ) range of motion (ROM). [Subjects] The subjects were 47 college students (10 male, 37 female) in whom more than one third of the humeral head was anteriorly translated against the acromion. [Methods] Humeral head distance (HHD) was measured with vernier calipers and EJA and FHP were measured using NIH Image J software for lateral body imaging obtained with a digital camera. GHJ ROM was measured with a goniometer. [Results] Increases in HHD were accompanied by decreases in internal rotation (IR) and abduction (AB), while increases in forward head angle (FHA) accompanied decreases in EJA. Increases in EJA occurred together with increases in external rotation (ER). IR and ER increased with increases in AB. [Conclusion] HHD influences EJA, IR, and AB; therefore, HHD should be considered in therapeutic approaches for these factors.