1Assistant Professor, Banarasidas Chandiwala Institute of Physiotherapy, IP University, New Delhi
2Head of Physiotherapy Department, M.S.Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore
Online published on 20 November, 2014.
The position of scapula is the key contributor to normal and abnormal scapular motion and control. Normally scapula rests at a position on the posterior thorax approximately two inches from the midline, between the second and seventh ribs. The scapula also is internally rotated from vertical, and is upwardly rotated 10 to 20 degrees from vertical1.
Scapular protraction will become abnormal when there is increased distance between the inferior angle of scapula and the Spinous process of vertebra2. Some authors reported that imbalanced force produce superior translation of the scapula with less efficient downward rotation and increased posterior tipping3.
Abnormal scapular position is defined as an observable alteration in the position and motion of the scapula relative to the thoracic cage.alterations that have been identified in computer professionals include increased protraction4.
Neck joints may be kept in abnormal positions which may eventually cause joint pain and muscle weakness. Due to which one may feel that just holding up the head is difficult, that is the head feels so heavy because of this heavy feeling, the person may maintain a slouched posture, which continues the vicious cycle5.
Individuals with neck pain may display altered postural behavior when performing prolonged sitting tasks such as during computer use, hence aim of the study is to find out whether neck pain is associated with scapular position in computer professionals.
Methodology: An case control study with convenience sampling was done with 100 subjects(50 study group and 50 in control group). Each subject's Scapular protraction measurements were taken with the participant standing with normal, relaxed posture. The measurements were performed at 3 different positions (at rest, hands on hip, and 900 glenohumeral abduction with internal rotation). First the inferior angle of scapula was palpated and marked, then the lateral arm of the vernier caliper was then positioned at the corresponding spinous process, and the measurement was recorded. All measurements were taken bilaterally.
Data analysis: Independent t test was used to compare the mean in terms of distance of right and left side in study and control group, also test was used to compare the mean difference of scapular position at three different positions between study and control group.
Results: The results showed that there is a significant difference in scapular position in computer professionals with neck pain in all three position that is at rest, hands on hip, and 900glenohumeral abduction.
Conclusion: In the present study it was concluded that scapular position is altered in computer professionals who are suffering from neck pain in all three positions that is at rest, hands on hip, and 90 degree glenohumeral abduction.
Neck Pain, Scapula Position, Altered Scapular Position, Computer Professionals
