Stretching position can affect levator scapular muscle activity, length, and cervical range of motion in people with a shortened levator scapulae

Abstract Objectives Levator scapulae (LS) muscle stretching exercises are a common method of lengthening a shortened muscle; however, the appropriate stretching position for lengthening the LS in people with a shortened LS remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of diff...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical therapy in sport 2017-07, Vol.26, p.13-19
Main Authors: Jeong, Hyo-Jung, PT, MS, Cynn, Heon-Seock, PT, PhD, Yi, Chung-Hwi, PT, PhD, Yoon, Jang-Whon, PT, PhD, Lee, Ji-Hyun, PT, PhD, Yoon, Tae-Lim, PT, PhD, Kim, Bo-Been, PT, MS
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of daily living
Electromyography
Exercise
Female
Humans
Kinematics
Kinesiology
Levator scapulae
Male
Manipulative therapy
Medicine
Muscle function
Muscle stretching exercises
Muscle Stretching Exercises - methods
Neck
Neck - physiology
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy
Posture
Prone Position
Range of motion
Range of Motion, Articular
Rehabilitation
Shoulder
Sports Medicine
Standard scores
Stretching
Studies
Superficial Back Muscles - pathology
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Objectives Levator scapulae (LS) muscle stretching exercises are a common method of lengthening a shortened muscle; however, the appropriate stretching position for lengthening the LS in people with a shortened LS remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different stretching exercise positions on the LS and introduce effective stretching exercise methods to clinicians. Participants Twenty-four university students (12 men, 12 women) with a shortened LS were recruited. Methods LS muscle activity, LS index (LSI), and cervical range of motion (ROM) were measured pre (baseline) and post three different stretching exercise positions (sitting, quadruped, and prone). Results The LSI and cervical ROM exceeded the minimal detectable change and had significant changes. The LSI was greater in the sitting position than at the baseline (p = 0.01), quadruped position (p 
ISSN:1466-853X
1873-1600
DOI:10.1016/j.ptsp.2017.04.001