Retraction Exercises Research Articles

Is there an immediate effect on pectoralis minor length after performing a prone scapular retraction exercise using typical sets and repetitions in pain-free participants?

IntroductionPectoralis Minor (PM) length shortening may contribute to faulty scapular.kinematics and result in shoulder pathology. Purposeof the Study: To evaluate if a prone scapular retraction exercise will demonstrate an immediate lengthening of the pectoralis minor (PM) in healthy participants. Methods50 healthy participants were measured to determine the length of their PM. The participants then performed three sets of 10 repetitions of a prone scapular retraction exercise. Next, the participants had their PM length measured again to see if there was an immediate change in PM length. ResultsPM length was not found to significantly lengthen immediately after the prone scapular retraction exercise. The mean PM length increased by 0.243 cm after the exercise but this was less than the MDC95 of 0.63 cm so the difference does not represent a real alteration in PM length. DiscussionThe hypothesis was that due to the theory of reciprocal inhibition, the PM would increase in length after the exercise. This study does not support this hypothesis. This study suggests that to improve PM length the PM needs to be subjected to more time at a lengthened position than what was afforded by our exercise. ConclusionThis study demonstrated that three sets of 10 repetitions of a prone scapular retraction exercise did not significantly change the PM length. If this exercise is being implemented to increase the PM length it should be used after a stretch of the PM.

Effect of Cervical and Shoulder Complex Exercises on Improvement of Forward Head Posture

Background: Forward head posture is anterior positioning of the head with respect to neck in sagittal plane. Craniovertebral angle is used to measure forward head posture. Craniovertebral angle is formed at the junction of a line drawn from the tragus of the ear through the spinous process of the C7 vertebra and a horizontal line through the C7 vertebra. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cervical and shoulder complex exercises on improvement of forward head posture. Objectives: To improve the forward head posture by- Cervical and shoulder complex exercises. Method: 30 participants, whose craniovertebral angle (CVA) was less than 50° were selected and further divided into experimental group (Group-A) (15 participants) and control group (Group- B) (15 participants). Photos of participants in standing position were taken using mobile camera and craniovertebral angle was measured using autocad software. Experimental group performed exercises such as chin tucks, cervical posterior isometric, scapular retraction exercise, Y to W exercise, middle trapezius fibres muscle strengthening exercise for 6 week interval. Whereas the control group was asked to carry on with routine activities. Pre (0th week ), mid (4th week), and post (6th week ) photos of participants of both groups were taken to see the effect of exercises along with numerical pain rating and neck disability score Results: This study signified that craniovertebral angle (p value=0.001), numerical pain rating scale score ( p value=0.001) and neck disability index scores (p value=0.001) were statistically significant. Conclusion: This study proved that 6 week cervical and shoulder complex exercises protocol has significant effect in improving forward head posture and reducing neck pain and neck disability. Keywords: Autocad software, Craniovertebral angle, chin tucks, forward head posture, neck pain, neck disability

Efficacy of ultrasound therapy with neck retraction exercises vs. ultrasound therapy with deep cervical flexor training for excessive screen time users: a pilot randomized controlled study.

[Purpose] To compare the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy in combination with neck retraction exercises and deep cervical flexor training on pain, forward head posture, and deep cervical flexor muscle strength in excessive screen time users. [Participants and Methods] This 4-week intervention study included 36 participants with forward head posture, categorized into three groups: 1) ultrasound therapy with neck retraction exercises 2) ultrasound therapy with deep cervical flexor training, and 3) a control group. The outcomes were pain, forward head posture, and strength of the deep cervical flexor muscles. [Results] The strength of the deep cervical flexor muscles exhibited a notable increase, indicating a relatively higher mean value in the first intervention group. Upon follow-up, significant changes in all outcomes were observed between the first intervention group and the control group. Also, significant differences were revealed in the deep cervical flexor muscles between the second intervention group and the control group. [Conclusion] Ultrasound therapy with neck retraction exercises could have a more positive effect on pain, forward head posture, and strength of the deep cervical flexor muscles in comparison to ultrasound therapy with deep cervical flexor training for excessive screen time users.

Effect of the Scapular Retraction Exercise on the Subacromial and Costoclavicular Space According to a Thera-Band Resistance Intensity

Effect of the Scapular Retraction Exercise on the Subacromial and Costoclavicular Space According to a Thera-Band Resistance Intensity

Immediate neck hypoalgesic effects of craniocervical flexion exercises and cervical retraction exercises among individuals with non-acute neck pain and a directional preference for retraction or extension: preliminary pretest-posttest randomized experimental design

ABSTRACT Background Selective deep neck flexor muscle activation through craniocervical flexion exercises has been considered to be different from cervical retraction exercises. Objective To compare the immediate analgesic effect of craniocervical flexion versus cervical retraction exercises in individuals with nonacute, directional preference (DP) for cervical retraction or extension Methods A two-arm, assessor-blinded, pretest-posttest randomized experiment was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to either craniocervical flexion or cervical retraction exercises and those who were confirmed at the post-intervention examination to have a DP for cervical retraction or extension were analyzed. The primary outcome measure was pressure pain thresholds at the C2 and C5-C6 levels. Results A total of 10 (mean age = 20.6 years) and nine participants (mean age = 19.4 years) undertook craniocervical flexion and retraction exercises, respectively. One-way analysis of variance demonstrated no statistically significant (p > 0.05) interaction effect regardless of the neck level. In the pre-post change percentages, retraction exercises provided greater analgesic effects compared to craniocervical flexion exercises at the C2 (Hedges’ g = 0.679) and C5-C6 levels (g = 0.637). Conclusion This study showed a comparable or greater immediate neck analgesic effect from cervical retraction exercises compared to craniocervical flexion exercises in individuals with a DP for cervical retraction or extension.

Efficacy of Neck Retraction Exercises with Ultrasound Therapy Versus Muscle Energy Technique on patients with Mechanical Neck Pain having Forward Neck Posture using Neck Disability index - A Comparative Study

Back Ground and Purpose: Mechanical neck pain commonly arises insidiously and is generally multifactorial in origin. One of the major causes for it is a forward head posture which is abnormal. Forward head posture is usually associated with shortening the posterior cervical extensor muscles and weakening the anterior cervical flexor muscles. Multiple treatments approaches are being used in managing mechanical neck pain. Generally repeated neck retraction exercises have been recommended commonly for patients with neck pain along with some modalities. Specific treatment technique like muscle energy technique is also used to treat the mechanical neck pain. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of neck retraction exercises with ultrasound therapy and muscle energy technique on patients with mechanical neck pain having forward neck posture using neck disability index. Study Method: Thirty patients with mechanical neck pain were randomly assigned to receive retraction exercises with ultrasound and postural advice (experimental group A, n = 10), muscle energy technique and postural advice (experimental group B, n = 10), and only postural advice (control group c, n = 10). All groups were treated for three weeks. The Neck disability index examines the subject's disability level. The rating of neck disability index is noted as pre-test and post-test for observing the subject's prognosis after Three weeks. Results: Paired t-test was used for within-group analysis. The between-group analysis was done using ANOVA. Significant differences were found in the neck disability outcome measure between all the three groups at p value>0.0001and at a 95% confidence interval. Both the Groups A and B were found to be significantly better than the control group, and Group A is significantly better than Group B at a 95% confidence interval with p-value >0.0001. Conclusion: This study concluded that retraction exercises with ultrasound therapy are more effective than the muscle energy technique in treating patients with mechanical neck pain with forward neck posture. However, both the treatment techniques showed a more significant improvement in reducing disability when compared to postural advice alone.

Evidence-Based Corrective Exercise Intervention for Forward Head Posture in Adolescents and Young Adults Without Musculoskeletal Pathology: A Critically Appraised Topic.

Habitual overuse of cellphones is on the rise among adolescents and young adults. Those who maintain a flexed neck posture when using a cellphone for extended periods possess an elevated risk for developing forward head posture (FHP). Chronic FHP can lead to painful medical disorders affecting the head, neck, and shoulders. Both stretching and strengthening exercises are advocated interventions to address this postural abnormality; however, due to a wide range of corrective exercise programming in the literature, the decision for which exercises to prescribe for this condition can be challenging for clinicians. For adolescents and young adults without musculoskeletal pathology, what are the most frequent stretching and strengthening exercises incorporated into effective FHP intervention programs supported by current randomized control trials? A combined total of 5 stretches and 8 strengthening exercises were identified across 3 studies of level 1b evidence that successfully impacted FHP using a combined stretching and strengthening corrective exercise intervention. The supine chin tuck and a sternocleidomastoid stretch were utilized in all 3 studies, while scapular retraction and a pectoralis stretch were included in 2 of the 3 studies. Based on the results of this appraisal, the most frequent stretches and strengthening exercises incorporated into effective FHP intervention programs supported by current randomized control trials focused on adolescents or young adults without musculoskeletal pathology include a sternocleidomastoid stretch, pectoralis stretch, the supine chin tuck, and scapular retraction. There is "Good" to "Excellent" evidence from 3 level 1b randomized control trials to support the inclusion of a sternocleidomastoid stretch, pectoralis stretch, the supine chin tuck, and scapular retraction exercises into a corrective exercise program to address forward head posture.

Comparison of the Ratio of Thicknesses of the Rhomboid Major and Middle Trapezius Muscles While Performing Scapular Retraction Exercises

Comparison of the Ratio of Thicknesses of the Rhomboid Major and Middle Trapezius Muscles While Performing Scapular Retraction Exercises

Assessment and Comparison between Cervical Retraction Exercise and Muscle Energy Technique on Cervical Joint Position Sense in Individuals with Forward Head Posture

Background: Forward Head posture (FHP) one of the most common postural disorder causes a change in the biomechanical movement, affect the length---tension relationship in the cervical muscles, increase muscular activity level and impair cervical proprioception. Cervical Retraction and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) have been proposed to improve joint proprioception. Objective: To assess and compare the effect between Cervical Retraction and Muscle Energy Technique on cervical joint position sense in individuals with forward head posture using head repositioning test. Method: This is a comparative study where 60 subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and assigned to Group A (n=30; Cervical Retraction) and Group B (n=30; Muscle Energy Technique) respectively. Proprioceptive exercises were given to both the groups. The intervention was given for 2 weeks-3 sessions per week. Error in Cervical Joint Position sense was assessed pre and post intervention using Head Repositioning Accuracy test. The data was collected and statistically analysed. Results: The study showed statistical significant reduction (p<0.05) in error in cervical joint position sense within the groups as well as between the groups for all the physiological movement (Flexion, Extension, Left Rotation and Right Rotation). Conclusion: Cervical Retraction as well as Muscle Energy Technique can be used to improve Cervical Joint position sense. However, Cervical Retraction is better as compared to Muscle Energy Technique. Keywords: Forward head posture, Cervical Joint Position sense, Cervical Retraction, Muscle Energy Technique, Head Repositioning Accuracy test.

Scapular Retraction under Adduction Load: An Alternative to Overhead Exercises to Activate Infraspinatus, Upper, and Lower Trapezius in Subjects with and without Shoulder Pain.

Exercises for lower trapezius (LT) often use overhead positions, causing compressive forces to the subacromial space. Scapular retraction would be an alternative to activate LT muscle. The present study aimed to assess the excitation levels of infraspinatus, upper trapezius, and lower trapezius muscles during a scapular retraction exercise under progressive adduction loads in subjects with and without painful shoulder. Electromyography of infraspinatus (IS), upper trapezius (UT), and LT was recorded during scapular retraction under progressive adduction loads of 42 participants, divided into two groups: with (SP, n = 26) and without shoulder pain (nSP, n = 16). The adduction loads of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) were applied using a load cell. Normalized electromyography and the ratio between UT and LT (UT:LT) were used for statistical analysis. No differences were observed between groups, but a condition effect occurred for all muscles: UT showed higher values at 50% vs. 20% of MVC (p = 0.004); LT showed higher values on 40% and 50% of MVC (p = 0.001; 0.006). Higher values for IS were noted at 40% of MVC (vs. 20% of MVC; p = 0.04) and at 50% of MVC (vs. 20% of MVC; p = 0.001, vs. 30% of MVC, p = 0.001; vs. 40% of MVC; p = 0.001). UT:LT showed lower values at 50% of MVC (vs. 20% of MVC; p = 0.001 and vs. 30% of MVC; p = 0.016). Scapular retraction with adduction loads at 40–50% is an alternative to overhead exercises aiming to activate the LT and the IS muscles. The exercise ensures higher levels of LT and IS excitation without increasing UT excitation.

Effect of Scapular Retraction Exercise on Shoulder Alignment, Pulmonary Function and Aerobic Capacity in Subjects with Forward Shoulder Posture

Background: Forward shoulder posture is identified when the acromion process is most anteriorly positioned when compared with the position of mastoid process, which is characterized by acromion protraction infront of the line of gravity as well as protraction, downward rotation and anterior tilt of scapula. It is one of the common postural abnormality that accounts for 60% of shoulder abnormalities, with an incidence of 75% in the right side and 66% in left side. The study aims to find the effect of scapular retraction exercises on shoulder alignment, pulmonary function and aerobic capacity in subjects with forward shoulder posture. Methods: The study was conducted on 14 subjects with FSP within the age group of 18 to 25. Scapular retraction exercises were given to the subjects for a duration of 3 weeks. Pre and post test values of scapular index, chest expansion, incentive spirometry and six minute walk test was taken. Results: Subjects showed statistically significant differences with a mean difference of 0.7(cm) for scapular index right, 0.68(cm) for scapular index left, 0.59(cm) for upper chest expansion, 1.21(secs) for inspiratory hold time using incentive spirometry and 6.79(m) for aerobic capacity (p<0.05, CI =95%). Pre and post mean scores of scapular index, chest expansion, inspiratory hold time and 6 minute walk test reveals that scapular retraction exercises has a positive impact on improving shoulder alignment, pulmonary function, and aerobic capacity Conclusion: Scapular retraction exercises is effective in improving shoulder alignment, pulmonary function and aerobic capacity in subjects with Forward shoulder posture KEY WORDS: Forward shoulder posture, rounded shoulder, pulmonary function, aerobic capacity, scapular retraction exercises, lung volume.

In vivo effects of two shoulder girdle motor control exercises on acromiohumeral and coracohumeral distances in healthy men

ABSTRACT Introduction Altered motor control and proprioceptive deficits are associated with kinematics dysfunctions and may cause alterations in subacromial space (SAS) that could lead to shoulder pathologies. Dimensions of the subacromial space, as well as interventions aimed at its normal restitution, can be explored by ultrasound (US). Objective To describe the effect of two shoulder girdle motor control exercises with cognitive training strategies on SAS dimensions, measured with US. Methods Cognitive movement control strategies, with visual and haptic feedback were applied on 21 healthy participants. SAS dimensions were measured through in vivo variations of acromiohumeral (AHD) and coracohumeral distances (CHD) using US. Results Our results show that as exercise repetitions are performed, an increasing trend in both measures can be observed, being wider for AHD (i.e. humeral head descent exercise) than CHD (i.e. scapular retraction exercise). Conclusion Specific cognitive and motor control exercises improve congruence joint and centering of the humeral head.

The Effect of Shoulder Abduction Angle on Trapezius Muscle Activity During Scapular Retraction Exercise.

Scapular retraction exercises are often prescribed to enhance scapular stabilization. To investigate the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT) activities, and UT/MT and UT/LT ratios during scapular retraction exercise with elastic resistance at different shoulder abduction angles. Descriptive laboratory study. Biomechanical analysis laboratory. Thirty-five asymptomatic individuals. Surface electromyography was used to evaluate UT, MT, and LT activities during the scapular retraction exercise at 0º, 45º, 90º, and 120º shoulder abductions. The mean muscle activity ranged from 15.8%-54.7% maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) for UT, 30.5%-51.6% MVIC for MT, 21.4%-25.5% MVIC for LT. A significant "muscle×angle" interaction was found (p<0.001). Post hoc analysis revealed that the MT was significantly more activated than UT and LT during both retraction at 0º (p<0.001; p=0.01, respectively) and 120º (p=0.03; p=0.002, respectively). During retraction at 45º and 90º, the LT generated significantly lower activity than the UT (p=0.02; p=0.03, respectively) and MT (p<0.001; p=0.002, respectively). Besides, UT/MT and UT/LT ratios during retraction at 0º were significantly lower than 45º (p=0.03; p=0.001, respectively) and 90º (p<0.001; p<0.001, respectively). Retraction at 90º resulted significantly higher UT/LT ratio than 45º (p=0.004) and 120º (p=0.004). Due to lower UT activity relative to MT, retraction at 0º, 45º, and 120º can be preferred in early shoulder training or rehabilitation. Additionally, retraction at 90º was the most effective exercise in activating entire trapezius muscle parts.

A Long-Term Impact of Oscillatory Mobilization and Mckenzie Retraction Exercises in Cervical Radiculopathy Management: A Case Report

Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is the second most common problem in field of physiotherapy. The main aim of this case report is to determine the effect of oscillatory Mobilisation and Mckenzie retraction exercises in cervical radiculopathy. A case study was conducted at Musculoskeletal Department of MGM Physiotherapy Aurangabad. We approached patient treatment from multiple aspects which mainly include oscillatory mobilisation and McKenzie retraction exercises. We evaluated our outcome variables using numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), cervical range of motion and scapular muscle strength. We found that oscillatory mobilization associated to Mckenzie retraction exercises significantly decrease pain and improve cervical mobility and scapular muscle strength.

The efficacy of Theraband versus general active exercise in improving postural kyphosis

BackgroundThoracic kyphotic posture is accompanying increased biomechanical load of the backbone which is possibly problematic. ObjectiveThe current study aimed to examine the effects of general active exercise versus Theraband exercise on female kyphotic posture. MethodsAn experimental study was conducted at the biomechanical lab. in Physical Therapy College, Cairo University. Fourteen female volunteers with kyphotic posture aged from 18 to 30 years were selected and equally distributed into two groups; 1st group received Theraband exercises (neck retraction exercise, scapular retraction exercise, and resistive shoulder blade squeeze) and 2nd group received general active exercises (Thoracic stretching exercise, thoracic extension exercises, and extension in lying with cervical retraction exercises). Each exercise was conducted properly for 60 min in 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks (total of 12 sessions per week). The Index of kyphosis (IK) was calculated before and after treatment. Moreover, the percentage of back disability index questionnaire (PBDI) and pain score were also detected. ResultsMultivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to compare the post-treatment's means between the first and second groups and control the pre-treatment variables. No significant differences were found post-treatment (P > 0.05). Moreover, IK measures showed a statistically significant difference post-treatment (P < 0.05). The paired sample t-test showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in all variables within the first and second groups. ConclusionThe current study demonstrated the positive effect of both techniques in reducing the IK, percentage of back disability index, and pain score with a more positive effect of Theraband in reducing the IK measures post-treatment.

A Study on the Effectiveness of Scapular Retraction Exercises on Forward Head Posture

Objective: The aim of the study is to find out the effectiveness of scapular retraction exercise for forward head posture. Background of the Study: • Forward head posture is a condition often seen in person who were using computer and laptops for long hours. Forward head posture is the anterior positioning of the cervical spine. This posture is sometime called “text neck”. It is a posture problem that is caused by several factor including sleeping with head elevated to high. Due to forward head posture the deep flexor muscle gets overstretched and weak thus resulting tightness of pectoralis muscle and over stretched to weak the rhomboid muscle. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of scapular retraction exercise on neck posture, muscle activity, pain and quality of life in individuals with neck pain and forward head posture. Methodology: The study is experimental study with study set up at outpatient physiotherapy department of ACS Medical College and Hospital. 30 subjects are randomly selected with inclusion criteria of patient of both male and female, 18 to 30 years of age groups, IT job workers, often indulging in TV, Computer, Texting-neck, Driver’s neck and exclusion criteria with Systemic illness, subject undergone surgeries, patient with congenital cervical deformities, Cervical fractures and the material used is adhesive skin marker, Measuring tape and Thera band and the outcome measures is VAS scale, Craniovertebral Angle (tragus right ear &amp;midpoint of the C7) and NDI (neck disability index). Procedure: 30 subjects with forward head posture were, included in this study. The Craniovertebral angle of all the subjects and were measured by using inch tape. The Craniovertebral angle was measured by angle between midpoint of the adhesive marker at tragus of right ear and midpoint of the reflective marker at C7. All the 30 subjects were received scapular retraction exercises as a common intervention Result: There is significant effect of Scapular Retraction Exercises in reducing Forward Head Posture.

Efficacy of Modified Cervical and Shoulder Retraction Exercise in Patients With Loss of Cervical Lordosis and Neck Pain.

ObjectiveTo explore if the modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program restores cervical lordosis and reduces neck pain in patients with loss of cervical lordosis.MethodsThis study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Eighty-three patients with loss of cervical lordosis were eligible. The eligible patients were trained to perform the modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program by a physiatrist, and were scheduled for a follow-up 6 to 8 weeks later to check the post-exercise pain intensity and lateral radiograph of the cervical spine in a comfortable position. The parameters of cervical alignment (4-line Cobb’s angle, posterior tangent method, and sagittal vertical axis) were measured from the lateral radiograph.ResultsForty-seven patients were included. The mean age was 48.29±14.47 years. Cervical alignment and neck pain significantly improved after undergoing the modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program (p≤0.001). The upper cervical lordotic angle also significantly improved (p=0.001). In a subgroup analysis, which involved dividing the patients into two age groups (<50 years and ≥50 years), the change of the sagittal vertical axis was significantly greater in the <50 years group (p=0.021).ConclusionThe modified cervical and shoulder retraction exercise program tends to improve cervical lordosis and neck pain in patients with loss of cervical lordosis.

Trapezius muscle activation levels and ratios during scapular retraction exercises: A comparative study between patients with subacromial impingement syndrome and healthy controls

BackgroundLittle is known about trapezius muscle activities during scapular retraction exercises in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. The aim of this study was to compare upper trapezius, middle trapezius and lower trapezius muscle activity and upper/middle and upper/lower trapezius ratios between patients with subacromial impingement syndrome and healthy individuals during six scapular retraction exercises. MethodsTwenty-two patients with subacromial impingement syndrome and 22 healthy individuals participated. Upper, middle, and lower trapezius activities were measured by surface electromyography, while the participants performed six scapular retraction exercises at different shoulder abduction angles in a standing position. Upper/middle and upper/lower trapezius ratios were also calculated. Repeated-measures analyses of variance were performed to determine whether muscle activation levels and ratios differed between groups during exercises. FindingsThere was no significant exercise × group interactions for upper, middle, and lower trapezius activation levels and upper/middle and upper/lower trapezius ratios (P > .05). A main effect for the exercise was observed for the upper/middle and upper/lower trapezius ratios (P < .05). InterpretationCompared to healthy individuals, patients with subacromial impingement syndrome did not exhibit different upper, middle, and lower trapezius activity and had similar upper/middle and upper/lower trapezius ratios during the various scapular retraction exercises. Therefore, scapular retraction exercises with various shoulder abduction could be safely offered for the patients with subacromial impingement syndrome since it does not lead to abnormal compensatory trapezius muscle activity. If the goal is to minimize upper/middle and upper/lower trapezius ratios, the scapular retraction exercises at 0° shoulder abduction may be used in early stage of shoulder rehabilitation.

Comparison of Scapular Muscles Activation with Shoulder Retraction and Shoulder Elevations in Individuals with Scapular Dyskinesia

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Scapular dyskinesis is a condition that is commonly associated with shoulder pathology but is also present in asymptomatic individuals, and it is believed to be a risk factor for further injury. Evidence suggests that patients with rotator cuff–related shoulder pain present scapular kinematic abnormalities such as decreased scapular upward rotation, decreased scapular posterior tipping, and external rotation. It has been proposed that abnormal scapular kinematics may be linked to weakness of scapular muscle. &lt;br /&gt; Muscle Activation is a very specific, non-medical, mechanically based process of evaluating and treating muscular imbalance and dysfunction. Its main goal is to increase the contractile capability of your muscles, resulting in increased strength, stability, range of motion, and reduced muscle and joint pain. &lt;br /&gt; The study was conducted to determine whether shoulder elevations and retractions showed any difference in the interscapular distance in indivudals with scapular dyskinesia.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objectives:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;ol&gt; &lt;li&gt;To assess Interscapular distance post shoulder retraction exercise.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;To assess Interscapular distance post shoulder shrugging exercise.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;To assess Interscapular distance post shoulder retraction + shrugging exercise.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;li&gt;To compare the effectiveness of these exercises on scapular dyskinesia.&lt;/li&gt; &lt;/ol&gt; &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Materials and Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt; An intervention based study comprising of 30 female individuals. The subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups, Group A was given combined exercises of shoulder retraction and elevations. Group B was given shoulder retraction and Group C was given shoulder elevations.The samples were assessed pre and post with the help of Interscapular distance.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Shoulder retractions when given along with shoulder elevations was clinically significant pre and post . Likewise, Shoulder retractions and elevations when given separately were also clinically significant pre and post. The comparison of all the three groups showed that all were equally effective in treating scapular dyskinesia. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt; The study concludes that all three forms of exercise showed similar results in reducing the Inter scapular distance in individuals with scapular dyskinesia.&lt;/p&gt;

Relationship Between Middle Trapezius Muscle Activation and Acromiohumeral Distance Change During Shoulder Elevation With Scapular Retraction.

The scapular retraction exercises are widely used among clinicians to balance the activity of the scapular muscles as well as the rotator cuff muscles in different shoulder abduction positions. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between scapular (middle and upper trapezius) and shoulder muscles (middle deltoid and infraspinatus) activation level differences and acromiohumeral distance changes during shoulder abduction with scapular retraction. Cross-sectional study. University research laboratory. Nineteen asymptomatic individuals were included (mean [SD]: age = 22.4 [1.8]y). The acromiohumeral distance was measured at 0° and 90° shoulder abduction when the scapula was in nonretracted and retracted position with ultrasound imaging. The relationship between muscle activation level changes and acromiohumeral distance difference was analyzed with the Pearson correlation test. Middle trapezius muscle activity change correlated with acromiohumeral distance difference (r = .55, P = .02) from 0° to 90° shoulder abduction when scapula was retracted. For both nonretracted and retracted scapular positions, no correlations were found between middle deltoid, infraspinatus, and upper trapezius muscle activity changes with acromiohumeral distance differences during shoulder abduction (P > .05). Active scapular retraction exercise, especially focusing on the middle trapezius muscle activation, seems to be an effective treatment option to optimize the acromiohumeral distance during shoulder abduction.