Changes in rounded shoulder posture and forward head posture according to exercise methods.
Do Youn Lee, Chan Woo Nam, Youn Bum Sung and 2 others
PMID 29184298WHAT IT FOUND
The McKenzie, self-stretch, and Kendall exercise programs did not differ between groups on measured posture, although each group improved from its own baseline.
Key findings
01Between-group changes in craniovertebral angle and scapular index were not statistically significant overall.
02Each group had significant within-group changes in craniovertebral angle and scapular index.
03LSD post-test showed a significant difference between the self-stretch and Kendall groups.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study included only 28 participants, so the between-group findings are imprecise. The paper does not report dropout, adherence results, allocation concealment, or assessor blinding. The overall between-group comparison was not significant, so the LSD difference between self-stretch and Kendall should not be treated as a robust effect. The self-stretch group was described as including McKenzie neck and Kendall strengthening elements, so the contribution of any single component cannot be separated. Outcomes were posture measurements only; pain, function, and long-term effects were not reported. Participants had to have craniovertebral angle 53 degrees or lower and use a smartphone or computer 4 hours or more per day, so results may not apply to people without those characteristics.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read the LSD difference between self-stretch and Kendall as proof that one exercise is superior. The overall between-group changes were not statistically significant, the self-stretch group combined McKenzie neck and Kendall strengthening elements, and the study included only 28 participants.