Frequency of Protracted Shoulders and its Relationship with Inter scapular Distance and Thoracic Expansion in Healthy Young Adults

Authors

  • Baidar Bakht Student, Foundation University College of Physical therapy, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Saba Murad Senior Lecturer / Physical Therapist, Foundation University College of Physical therapy, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Hira aziz Student, Foundation University College of Physical therapy, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Zara Sajjal Student, Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Alina Asim Student, Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Rimsha Sajid Student, Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Protracted shoulders are common musculoskeletal condition in young population which has impact on thoracic expansion and interscapular distance. The main contributors to protracted shoulders are poor ergonomics, sedentary lifestyle and excessive use of gadgets. In this study frequency of protracted shoulders and its relationship with interscapular distance and thoracic expansion has been evaluated.

Objective: To determine the frequency of protracted shoulders in healthy young adults and its relationship with interscapular distance and thoracic expansion at axillary and T4 level.

Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional analytical study, conducted among students from Foundation University Islamabad. A total of 357 subjects were selected using convenience sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and all participants provided written informed consent. Outcome Measures: Plumb line was used to access protracted shoulders and measuring tape was used to measure interscapular distance and thoracic expansion at axillary and T4 level.

Results: The study showed that there is moderately positive correlation between protracted shoulders (PS) and Interscapular Distance. (p=0.436, rs = 0.41). Furthermore, the correlation between PS and Thoracic expansion at axillary level was strongly positive (p=0.162, rs = 0.74) while a strongly negative correlation (p=0.225, rs = - 0.64) was observed at T4 level. 2

Conclusion: The study's findings concluded that the frequency of protracted shoulders is high among healthy young adults. The study showed that there’s a relationship of protracted shoulders with thoracic expansion at the axillary level while no relationship established at T4 level and with interscapular distance among healthy young adults.

Keywords: Posture, Protracted Shoulder, Thoracic expansion

References

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Published

2025-12-23

How to Cite

1.
Bakht B, Murad S, aziz H, Sajjal Z, Asim A, Sajid R. Frequency of Protracted Shoulders and its Relationship with Inter scapular Distance and Thoracic Expansion in Healthy Young Adults. J Riphah Coll. Rehabili. sci. [Internet]. 2025Dec.23 [cited 2025Dec.27];13(4). Available from: https://journals.riphah.edu.pk/index.php/jrcrs/article/view/2236

Issue

JRCRS Volume 13 Issue 4

Section

Original Articles

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