Effects of scapular stability exercise on shoulder stability and rehabilitative ultrasound images in office workers

[Purpose] To examine the clinical effectiveness of scapular stability exercise on shoulder stability and rehabilitative ultrasound images in office workers. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-eight subjects were randomly divided into a scapular stability exercise group (n=19) and a manual therapy group (n=19). Subjects in the scapular stability exercise group performed a scapular stability exercise designed to correct the abnormal location of the scapula, at 40 minutes per session, two times per week, for 6 weeks. Forward head horizontal distance, rounded shoulder posture, stability of the upper limb for the shoulder, and rehabilitative ultrasound images were evaluated before and after 6 weeks. [Results] After the intervention, both groups showed significantly decreased forward head horizontal distance and rounded shoulder posture, with significantly improved stability of the upper limb and rehabilitative ultrasound images. Forward head horizontal distance, rounded shoulder posture, stability of the upper limb, and rehabilitative ultrasound images showed greater improvements in the shoulder stability exercise group than in the manual therapy group. [Conclusion] Scapular stability exercise can improve shoulder stability and the thickness of the lower trapezius in rehabilitative ultrasound images of office workers, and could be useful in clinical rehabilitation.