Effects of 4-week self-cross body stretching with scapular stabilization on shoulder motions and horizontal adductor strength in subjects with limited shoulder horizontal adduction: cross body stretching with stabilization.

Background: Posterior shoulder tightness is related to shoulder conditions such as shoulder impingement and limited shoulder horizontal adduction (SHA). The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of self-cross body stretching (CBS) with and without scapular stabilization (SS) on SHA and shoulder internal rotation (SIR) range of motion (ROM) and shoulder horizontal adductor strength (SHAS) in subjects with limited SHA.

Methods: Twenty-six subjects (14 males, 12 females) with limited SHA was participated in this study. The SS group and without stabilization (WS) group were assigned randomly. The SS group performed self-CBS with SS by applying belt just under the subject's axilla. The subjects were asked to perform self-CBS 4 times a week for 4 weeks. SHA and SIR RM were measured by Clinometer smartphone application, and SHAS by hand-held dynamometer before and after 4-week self-CBS.

Results: 2 × 2 mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to identify the significance. If there was an interaction effect, t-test was used to confirm the simple effect. There was a significant interaction in SHA ROM and SHAS. The post-test value of SHA ROM was significantly greater in SS group than WS group (P<0.0125). In SHAS, there was no significant difference between groups (P>0.0125).

Conclusions: SS during self-CBS could enhance to improve SHA, SIR ROM, and SHAS in individuals with limited SHA.