Improvement of throwing patterns in subjects with forward head and rounded shoulder after a corrective exercise intervention. A retrospective study

Abstract

Background and objectives

The forward head and rounded shoulder posture (FHRSP) in handball players can lead to biomechanical impairments and altered muscle activity, which may result in reduced ball speed and throwing performance. This study evaluated whether corrective exercises improve throwing patterns in male handball players with FHRSP. Sixty participants with FHRSP were divided into an exercise-intervention group (EG, n = 30) and a control group (CG, n = 30). The EG underwent an 8-week corrective exercise program targeting FHRSP-related muscles, while the CG received no intervention. Kinematic and electromyographic (EMG) data were recorded during throwing tasks before and after the intervention.

Results

showed significant improvements in the EG compared to the CG. Ball throwing speed increased (P < 0.03, effect size: 0.05), alongside reduced muscle activation and enhanced shoulder kinematics (P < 0.05). Additionally, FHRSP parameters improved, with reduced forward head posture (P < 0.03, effect size: 0.87) and rounded shoulders (P < 0.05, effect size: 0.68). No significant changes were observed in the CG.

The study concludes that an 8-week corrective exercise effectively enhances throwing performance, optimizes shoulder movement, and corrects FHRSP in male handball players. These findings highlight the benefits of targeted exercises for athletes with postural deficits.