چكيده لاتين
Introduction: Postural abnormalities, particulary Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS), have significant effects on upper body motor function, cardiorespiratory endurance, and individuals’ quality of life. This syndrome is caused by muscle imbalances in the neck, shoulder, and upper back regions and can lead to Forward Head Posture (FHP), Rounded Shoulders, and HyperKyphosis. Failure to address it promptly can result in consequences such as chronic musculoskeletal disorders, muscle fatigue, decreased self-confidence, and psychosocial problems. Given the importance of correcting postural abnormalities and enhancing motor and respiratory function, this study aims to compare the effect of combined shoulder stability and diaphragmatic breathing exercises with the NASM protocol on UCS, motor function, and cardiorespiratory endurance in girls with Upper Crossed Syndrome.
Research Method: This study was a semi-experimental research with a pre-test/post-test design. The statistical population consisted of girls aged 13 to 16 years with UCS in Isfahan city. From this population, 30 individuals were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned matched by type of abnormality, into two groups of 15: the combined exercise group (Age: 13.73 ± 0.88 years, Height: 159.06 ± 6.09 cm, Weight: 55.66 ± 11.63 kg) and the NASM group (Age: 14 ± 0.75 years, Height: 160.8 ± 3.33 cm, Weight: 57.56 ± 11.95 kg). The exercise protocol was conducted for eight weeks, with three sessions per week. Postural variables (FHP angle, rounded shoulder angle, and kyphosis) were measured using photogrammetry and a flexible ruler, upper body motor function was assessed using the Davis test, and cardiorespiratory endurance was measured using the Queen’s College Step Test. Data were analyzed using dependent t-tests, independent t-tests, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS version 27 (p≤0.05).
Results: The results indicated that both the combined exercise protocol (shoulder stability and diaphragmatic breathing) and the NASM protocol led to a significant reduction in the FHP angle (the combined exercise protocol: P=0/01 , the NASM protocol: P<0/001) and hyper kyphosis (P<0/001), but the difference between the two groups in these two indicators was not significant (FHP angle: P=0/32 , hyper kyphosis angle: P=0/6). In improving the rounded shoulder angle, the combined protocol was significantly more effective than the NASM protocol (P=0/006). Although both methods enhanced upper body motor function, the difference between the groups was not significant in this regard (P=0/22). Furthermore, cardiorespiratory endurance improved significantly only in the group that performed the combined protocol, and this group showed a clear superiority over the NASM group (P=0/01).
Conclusion: Overall, both exercise protocols were effective in correcting the abnormalities of UCS and improving upper body motor function. However, the combined protocol of shoulder stability and diaphragmatic breathing specifically demonstrated superiority in correcting rounded shoulders and increasing cardiorespiratory endurance. Therefore, the application of this combined protocol is recommended as a more comprehensive method for these individuals.
