A Study to Compare the Efficacy of Static Stretching and PNF Stretching on Forward Shoulder Posture

Abstract

Introduction: Good posture is that state of muscular and skeletal balance which protects the supporting structures of the body against injury or progressive deformity. Forward shoulder posture is considered as one of the common postural problem in normal asymptomatic young adults. Various stretching techniques and strengthening exercises play a major role to decrease the forward shoulder posture effectively. So this study was intended to find the effectiveness of Static and PNF Stretching along with strengthening techniques on forward shoulder posture. Method: Thirty asymptomatic young adults who have forward shoulder posture were selected for this study and divided into two groups. One group received Static and the other group received PNF stretching for a six week stretching along with strengthening Programme, three times per week. Result: Both static and PNF groups showed improvement in forward shoulder posture and range of motion of both right and left shoulders. Conclusion: Although during first two weeks there was no much improvement in forward shoulder posture but from third week onwards PNF group showed marked improvement compared to other group who received static stretching Key words: Forward shoulder posture, Static stretching, PNF Stretching, Plumb li