Effect of an Exercise Program Using a Foam Roller on Shoulder Height and Muscle Activity in Adults in their Twenties with Round Shoulder Choi Jung-Hyun* Department of Physical Therapy, Namseoul University, 31020, Korea *Corresponding author: Jung-Hyun Choi E-mail: rightmind@nsu.ac.kr
Online published on 4 June, 2019. Abstract Background/Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effects of an exercise program using a foam roller on shoulder height and pectoralis major and upper trapezius muscle activities in adults in their twenties with round shoulders. Methods/Statistical analysis The study participants were randomly assigned to a foam roller (n=10) or home exercise group (n=10). The exercise program was performed three times a week for 4 weeks. The foam roller exercise group performed both the foam roller and home exercises, while the home exercise group performed only the home exercise program. Shoulder height and pectoralis major and upper trapezius muscle activities were measured before and after intervention. Findings In the within-group comparison, the foam roller group showed significant decreases in upper trapezius muscle activity (p<.05) and shoulder height (p<.05), but no significant change in pectoralis major muscle activity (p>.05). The home exercise group showed no significant differences in muscle activity or shoulder height between the pre-and post-intervention measurements (p>.05). In the between-group comparison, no significant difference in muscle activity or shoulder height was found between the foam roller and home exercise groups (p>.05).. Improvements/Applications The 4-week foam roller exercise program is an effective exercise method for correcting round shoulder. Top Keywords Round shoulder, Foam roller, Home exercise. Top |