The effect of two types of self pectoralis minor stretching on pectoralis minor length, scapular upward rotation, shoulder posture and strength of periscapular muscles in healthy individuals

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two types of self pectoralis minor stretching on pectoralis minor length, scapular upward rotation, scapular dyskinesis, shoulder and head posture and periscapular muscles in healthy individuals and to compare these stretching methods. Method: This study was done between May 2016 and May 2017, 60 people were enrolled in this study at Dokuz Eylül University School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation. Before starting the evaluation and stretching program, participants were randomized into: control group or one of the two self-stretching groups. In the first stretching group (n = 20); self-stretching was performed in standing position while in the second group (n = 20) self-stretching was performed in supine. No stretching was performed in the control group (n = 20). Stretching exercises were held in 30 sec hold for 3 stretching sets with 15 sec intervals. Participants' demographic information, pectoralis minor length, scapular dyskinesis test result, scapular upward rotation degree, shoulder and head posture, and periscapular muscle strength were recorded. The assessments were made before and after the stretching. No stretching was applied to the control group after the first assessments. These participants were re-evaluated approximately 2 minutes (equal to stretching period of the other groups) after the initial assessments. Results: Demographic and anthropometric characteristics were similar between the groups (p> 0.05). In the two stretching groups, Pectoral Minor Index (PMI), shoulder posture (OP), serratus anterior (SA), upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (OT) and lower trapezius (AT) and scapular upward rotation (SYR) between 0 ° and 120 ° were significantly improved compared to control group (p <0.05). There was no significant improvement in scapular dyskinesis percentage in any group (p> 0.05). No significant difference was observed in other measurements (p> 0.05). Conclusion: In healthy individuals, these two types of stretching have positive effects on shoulder posture, periscapular muscle strength and pectoralis minor length. It was seen that the supine stretching was superior to the other stretching group and controls in improvement of SA and UT muscle strength, and SYR between 0 ° and 120 °.