Incidence of Forward Head and Rounded Shoulder Posture in Sports Involving Overhead Activities Among University Athletes

Abstract

AbstractA great deal of stresses are placed on the shoulder complex while performing overhead activities in sports that involve actions like throwing or hitting a ball because of repeated force generation, asymmetry in the loads or use of limbs. The development of postural defects like the forward head posture (FHP) and round shoulder posture (RSP) make the athletes more susceptible to shoulder injuries. To assess FHP, RSP and shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) in players presenting with shoulder pain. 75 participants aged between 18 and 25 years, playing sports involving overhead activities and had a complaint of shoulder pain were included in this cross-sectional study. FHP and RSP was evaluated using photogrammetry method (autoCAD software). The shoulder pain and disability was assessed through a questionnaire (SPADI). The percentage of players presenting with FHP and RSP was 38.67% and 53.33% respectively. Mann-Whitney U test was applied on the SPADI score of the participants having FHP/RSP and not having FHP/RSP. Significant difference was only seen in the mean rank of total score of the players of “having FHP” and “not having FHP” whereas no significant difference was found in RSP group. It can be recommended that the players having FHP and RSP should undergo a posture correction program to prevent any kind of shoulder injury. The findings of present study can provide a guide to coaches and physiotherapists for better assessment of a painful shoulder which can also prevent recurrence of injury.KeywordsForward headRounded shoulderPostureShoulder painOverhead sportsDisability