*Corresponding author: Jung-Hyun Choi E-mail: rightmind@nsu.ac.kr
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.
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.
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)..
The 4-week foam roller exercise program is an effective exercise method for correcting round shoulder.
Round shoulder, Foam roller, Home exercise
