Original Article: JRCRS. 2025; 13(4):242-245
9- Frequency of Protracted Shoulders and its Relationship with Inter scapular Distance and Thoracic Expansion in Healthy Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Baidar Bakht1, Saba Murad2, Hira Aziz3, Zara Sajjal4, Alina Asim5, Rimsha Sajid6
1 3 4 5 6 Student, Foundation University College of Physical therapy, Islamabad, Pakistan
2 Senior Lecturer / Physical Therapist, Foundation University College of Physical therapy, Islamabad, Pakistan
Read Full-Text Full-Text PDF DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.53389/JRCRS.2025130409
ABSTRACT:
Background: Protracted shoulders are common musculoskeletal condition in young population which has impact on thoracic expansion and interscapular distance. The main contributors to protracted shoulders are poor ergonomics, sedentary lifestyle and excessive use of gadgets. In this study frequency of protracted shoulders and its relationship with interscapular distance and thoracic expansion has been evaluated.
Objective: To determine the frequency of protracted shoulders in healthy young adults and its relationship with interscapular distance and thoracic expansion at axillary and T4 level.
Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional analytical study, conducted among students from Foundation University Islamabad. A total of 357 subjects were selected using convenience sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and all participants provided written informed consent. Outcome Measures: Plumb line was used to access protracted shoulders and measuring tape was used to measure interscapular distance and thoracic expansion at axillary and T4 level.
Results: The study showed that there is moderately positive correlation between protracted shoulders (PS) and Interscapular Distance. (p=0.436, rs = 0.41). Furthermore, the correlation between PS and Thoracic expansion at axillary level was strongly positive (p=0.162, rs = 0.74) while a strongly negative correlation (p=0.225, rs = – 0.64) was observed at T4 level. 2
Conclusion: The study’s findings concluded that the frequency of protracted shoulders is high among healthy young adults. The study showed that there’s a relationship of protracted shoulders with thoracic expansion at the axillary level while no relationship established at T4 level and with interscapular distance among healthy young adults.
Keywords: Posture, Protracted Shoulder, Thoracic expansion