30, September 2026

Effectiveness of theraband exercise verses resisted girdle proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on rounded shoulder in young adults

VOLUME-10; ISSUE-9; SEPT-2026

Author(s): Dr. Anjali Chavhan, Dr.Tanushree Aloni, Dr.Anisha Johar

Authors Affiliations:

1.Student, Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik,  Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar , India

2.Professor, Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik,  Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India

3.Professor,  Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, MUHS Nashik,  Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, India

DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202609011     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202609011


Abstract
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Background: Rounded shoulder posture is increasingly prevalent among young adults due to prolonged sitting, excessive smartphone use, and muscular imbalance around the shoulder girdle. This postural deviation is commonly associated with tight pectoral muscles, weakened scapular stabilizers, altered scapular mechanics, and compromised upper-quarter function. Effective correction techniques are required to restore optimal alignment and prevent long-term musculoskeletal dysfunction.

 Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of Theraband strengthening exercises and Resisted Girdle Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) in improving rounded shoulder posture among young adults, using AT distance and scapular distance as quantitative outcome measures

 Methodology: A total of 42 participants aged 18–24 years with rounded shoulder posture (AT distance ≥ 2.5 cm) were randomly allocated into two groups (n=21 each). Group A received Theraband exercises with pectoral stretching, while Group B received Resisted Girdle PNF with stretching. Both groups underwent 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention values of AT distance and scapular distance were recorded and statistically analyzed.

Results: Both interventions produced statistically significant improvements within groups (p < 0.0001). However, between-group comparisons showed significantly greater improvement in the PNF group. The PNF group demonstrated a larger reduction in AT distance (p = 0.016) and showed significantly better postural correction after ANCOVA adjustment (p = 0.0018). Scapular distance also improved more in the PNF group compared to the Theraband group (p = 0.005). These findings indicate that Resisted Girdle PNF is more effective in restoring optimal scapular alignment and reducing rounded shoulder posture. Conclusion: Both Theraband exercises and Resisted Girdle PNF techniques are effective for improving rounded shoulder posture in young adults. However, Resisted Girdle PNF demonstrated significantly superior improvement, particularly in AT distance and scapular alignment effective therapeutic approach for correcting rounded shoulder posture in clinical populations

Rounded shoulder, Theraband , Scapular PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation , AT distance (acromian to table distance)

Dr. Anjali Chavhan, Dr.Tanushree Aloni, Dr.Anisha Johar (2026); Effectiveness of theraband exercise verses resisted girdle proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on rounded shoulder in young adults, International Journal of Research Culture Society,    ISSN(O): 2456-6683,  Volume – 10,   Issue –  9,  Available on – https://ijrcs.org/

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