Abstract

Objective: To evaluate if forward shoulder posture (FSP) would alter pulmonary capacities. Design and setting: A blinded, controlled design was used. Subjects: 40 female subjects with FSP recruited from university students. Methods and main outcome measurements: Saggital plane postural alignment of the shoulder was measured. A camera was utilized to send photo signals of the reflective markers to a computer equipped with the ability to convert this information into a file of three-dimensional coordinates. The angle formed by a line connecting C7 to the acromion process was measured and it provides FSP degree. Vital capacity (VC), Forced vital capacity (FVC) and expiratory residual volume (ERV) were recorded. Results: There was significant correlation between FSP values and VC (p=.009), FVC (p=.004) and ERV (p=.005). A distinct decrease in VC, FVC and ERV was seen with increasing FSP degrees (p<.05). Conclusion: There was significant correlation between FSP and respiratory values. The respiratory values are decreased subsequent to increasing FSP degrees.