Immediate Effects of Different Stretching Methods for Pectoralis Minor Muscle

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Rounded Shoulder Posture
• Interventions: Other: PNF Stretching; Other: Unilateral Corner Stretch; Other: Manual Stretching

• Registration Number: NCT06307899
• Lead Sponsor: Gazi University

Brief Summary

The aim of our study is to compare the effects of different stretching methods for the pectoralis minor (PM) muscle on scapula position, PM muscle length and scapular muscle activation in individuals with shoulder protraction. Unilateral corner stretching, manual stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching methods will be applied randomly, 2 days apart, to volunteer individuals who agree to participate in our study. Three different stretching methods (unilateral corner stretching, manual stretching and PNF stretching) will be applied to individuals randomly, 48 hours apart, and PM length, PM index, scapula upward rotation and EMG values will be recorded by a blind evaluator before and after the stretching application.

Detailed Description

Our study will include individuals who volunteer to participate in the study, and informed consent will be obtained from the individuals. Shoulder protraction will be determined according to the measurement result of the distance between the posterolateral side of the acromion and the bed in the supine position of the individual. If the distance is 2.6 centimeters or more, it will be recorded as shoulder protraction posture. PM length, PM index, upward rotation angle of the scapula at 0°, 45°, 90° and 135° abduction, electromyographic (EMG) muscle activation of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscles will be evaluated by a blind evaluator before and after the stretching methods. Unilateral corner stretching, manual stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching methods will be applied randomly, 48 hours apart. The order of Unilateral Corner Stretching, Manual Stretching and PNF Stretching methods to be applied to individuals will be assigned with the simple allocation using random allocation. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 22.0 will be used to evaluate the data obtained from the study and create tables. The Shapiro-Wilk test will be used to determine the distribution of the data. Descriptive statistics of numerical variables with normal distribution will be indicated by X ± SD, descriptive statistics of numerical variables without normal distribution will be indicated by median and (IQR), descriptive statistics of categorical variables will be indicated by frequency and percentage (%). Paired Sample T test will be used for intra-group comparison of normally distributed data and Wilcoxon test will be used for intra-group comparison of non-normally distributed data. The one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be performed to compare the three groups. The statistical significance level will be set at p\<0.05 and a post-hoc multiple comparisons test with Bonferroni correction will be performed.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-09-11
• Status Verified: 2024-03
• Study First Submitted: 2024-03-06
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-03-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-03-06
• Study First Posted: 2024-03-13
• Last Update Posted: 2024-03-13
• Primary Completion: 2024-07-03
• Study Completion: 2024-09-04

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 25

Inclusion Criteria

• Having a shoulder protraction posture
• Not having had a shoulder surgery before
• Agreeing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

• Cervical or shoulder pain
• Adhesive capsulitis
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Shoulder instability
• Shoulder surgery history
• Numbness or tingling in the upper extremity

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: CROSSOVER

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Group 3	PNF Stretching	PNF Stretching
Group 1	Unilateral Corner Stretch	Unilateral Corner Stretching
Group 2	Manual Stretching	Manual Stretching

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pectoralis Minor Index	Immediately after intervention	PM index will be recorded by calculating the ratio of the pectoralis minor length to the individual's height multiplied by 100.
EMG Analysis	Immediately after intervention	Individuals' upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscle activations will be evaluated using superficial EMG. Measurements will be taken from the dominant side.
Pectoralis Minor Length	Immediately after intervention	To measure the length of the pectoralis minor muscle, the distance between the caudal corner of the 4th rib and the inferomedial face of the coracoid process will be recorded with a tape measure.
Scapula Upward Rotation Measurement	Immediately after intervention	Individuals' scapula upward rotation measurement will be evaluated with an inclinometer in the resting position, 45º, 90º and 135º shoulder abduction positions. Three measurements will be taken with a 30-second rest interval and the average value will be calculated.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Gazi University; 🇹🇷 Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey