Comparison of eight-weeks shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle and combined corrective exercises on balance in upper crossed syndrome

Upper crossed syndrome is known as a musculoskeletal abnormality that results in postural changes such as forward head, forward shoulder and kyphosis. Balance is one of the most important posture component that might be reduced by upper crossed syndrome. This study aimed to compare of eight-week shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle and combined corrective exercises program for improving the balance in this syndrome.

In this study, 45 female students with upper crossed syndrome were selected purposefully and divided randomly in three groups including shoulder girdle, pelvic girdle, and combined exercises. Conspicuously, progressive corrective exercises were performed in all groups for eight weeks and three sessions per week for 30 to 70 minutes. The static balance was evaluated before and after the intervention by a foot-scanner.

The results of repeated measures ANOVA analysis in all three groups showed significant increase within the groups after intervention (P=0.000). The results of post hoc test for 30 seconds with open eyes (P=0.05) and 30 seconds with closed eyes (P=0.04) showed a significant difference between combined and shoulder girdle group exercises. No significant difference was observed between 10 seconds with right foot (P=0.84) and 10 seconds with left foot (P=0.58) groups.

The simultaneously correction of posture abnormalities as a comprehensive is more effective in improving balance instead of correction of each abnormality as an independent component. Therefore, comprehensive oriented corrective exercises are advised for improvement of balance in upper crossed syndrome.