NCT05596916

The Effect of Axio Scapular Muscle Stretching Exercises in Office Workers

The Effect of Axio Scapular Muscle Stretching Exercises on Posture, Periscapular Muscle Strength and Disability in Office Workers

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Mustafa Kemal University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of stretching exercises applied to the axioscapular muscles on posture, periscapular muscle strength and symptoms in office workers.

Detailed description

Individuals who work at a desk for a long time often take a kyphotic or loose sitting position, resulting in tension in some of the axioscapular muscles and weakness in others. Because, as a result of wrong working posture at the desk, scapular downward rotation formation, increased activation in trapezius and levator scapula muscles, pain, decrease in normal joint range of motion (ROM) may result in impaired proprioception and this situation may create a vicious circle. In addition, incorrect sitting posture was found to be associated with changes in scapula position, kinematics and muscle activity. It is considered a clinical feature that a change in scapular alignment can cause neck pain and dysfunction. The scapula shares common muscle connections with the neck, and altered axioscapular muscle function is claimed to potentially cause neck pain through abnormal loading of the cervical spine or the formation of myofascial trigger points. Stretching the shortened upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and levator scapula muscles and strengthening the deep cervical flexor muscles are effective in correcting the anterior tilt posture of the head. Stretching exercises applied to the tension and shortness of the axioscapular muscles can have a positive effect on middle and lower trapezius muscle and serratus anterior muscle weakness, as they contribute to the change of scapular position. It may also contribute to cervical motion and/or symptom relief. For this reason, the aim of the study is to examine the effects of axioscapular muscle stretching exercises on posture, periscapular muscle strength and symptoms in office workers. In addition, information about the effect of isolated stretching exercises on muscle strength and symptoms will be obtained and a contribution will be made about the weekly dosage.

Conditions

• Neck Muscle Issue

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	High frequency of stretching exercise	After the randomization and evaluations, the selected postural stretching exercises will be taught to both groups in the clinic, and then a brochure will be given to the participants and they will be asked to practice these exercises at home. In the experimental group, the exercises will be applied at the specified time and frequency, 5 days a week. Participants will be given an "Exercise Diary" and exercise tracking will be provided by calling the participants once a week. The exercises will be done for 6 weeks. Participants will be evaluated twice, before and end of the treatment.
OTHER	Low frequency of stretching exercise	After the randomization and evaluations, the selected postural stretching exercises will be taught to both groups in the clinic, and then a brochure will be given to the participants and they will be asked to practice these exercises at home. In the experimental group, the exercises will be applied at the specified time and frequency, 3 days a week. Participants will be given an "Exercise Diary" and exercise tracking will be provided by calling the participants once a week. The exercises will be done for 6 weeks. Participants will be evaluated twice, before and end of the treatment.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-03-18
• Primary completion: 2023-06-15
• Completion: 2023-06-20
• First posted: 2022-10-27
• Last updated: 2023-09-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)