Publications
Changes in Acromion Height, Craniovertebral Angle and Muscle Tone after Strengthening, Self-Stretching, and Mixed Exercises in Adults with Rounded Shoulders Posture and Forward Head Posture
Authors: Hojun Im, Taehee Jung, Yoonsun Choi, Junryeol Park, Jaeyoon Hwang, Heejeong Kim, Jihye Kim, Wondeok Lee, Junhyeok Go, Jeongsun Kim
Affiliations: Department of Physical Therapy, Gangdong University, Eumseong, Republic of Korea
Journal: Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research - September 2025, Volume 16, Issue 3, Pages 3602-3610
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Field & Applications:
- Sport
- Medical
- Treatment evaluation
- Balance / Postural control
- Muscle development / Performance
- Musculoskeletal health
Background: Rounded Shoulder Posture (RSP) and Forward Head Posture (FHP) often result from prolonged digital device use, leading to muscle imbalance, pain, and functional limits. Growing demand for postural correction highlights the need for effective exercise approaches.
Objectives: This study compared strengthening, self-stretching, and mixed exercises on acromion height, craniovertebral angle, and muscle tone in adults with FHP and RSP.
Design: Randomized controlled pretest-post test trial over four weeks.
Methods: Thirty university students (acromion height ≥2.5 cm, craniovertebral angle ≤53°) were randomly assigned to strengthening (n=6), self-stretching (n=9), or mixed exercise (n=9) groups. Participants exercised three times weekly for four weeks. Pre- and post-tests measured acromion height, craniovertebral angle, and muscle tone of the pectoralis major, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid using MyotonPRO®. Data were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed ranks, Kruskal-Wallis, and repeated measures ANOVA (P<.05).
Results: All groups significantly improved acromion height and craniovertebral angle (P<.05) without intergroup differences. Significant tone change appeared only in the upper trapezius (P<.05), with the mixed group showing the largest improvement.
Conclusion: All exercises improved posture in adults with FHP and RSP. Mixed exercise yielded the greatest reduction in upper trapezius tone, suggesting a multimodal approach may be most effective.
Keywords: acromion height, craniovertebral angle, forward head posture, rounded, shoulder posture
This study examined the effects of strengthening, self-stretching, and mixed exercises on acromion height, craniovertebral angle and muscle tone in adults with RSP and FHP. Participants performed the exercises three times per week for four weeks. All groups showed significant improvements in acromion height and with no differences between groups. Muscle tone in the pectoralis major and sternocleidomastoid showed no significant changes. In contrast, the upper trapezius showed a significant decrease in muscle tension within groups and significant between-group differences. Based on these results, future studies with larger sample sizes and extended intervention periods may support the development of effective exercise programs, particularly utilizing mixed exercise approaches.