The effects of shoulder stabilization exercises on muscle strength, proprioceptive sensory ability and performance in office workers with shoulder protraction.

Objectives . Shoulder protraction is frequently seen in office workers because of working with excessive trunk flexion for a long time. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of stabilization exercises (SE) given in addition to office exercises (OE). Methods . Sixty office workers with shoulder protraction were divided into SE + OE ( n =  30) and OE ( n =  30) groups by stratified random sampling for 8 weeks and followed up for 4 weeks. Shoulder protraction was assessed with a caliper, muscle strength with a hand-held dynamometer, proprioception with an isokinetic dynamometer, vibration sense with a vibrometer and upper extremity functional performance with the closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test. Results . There were significant improvements in all parameters in the OE + SE group, while increases in the strength of the upper trapezius, pectoralis major and infraspinatus muscles and in upper extremity functional performance were also found in the OE group ( p  < 0.05). During detraining, shoulder protraction, muscle strength, proprioception and upper extremity performance showed longer-term improvement with SE + OE ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion . The results obtained with the exercises demonstrate the importance of SE + OE in terms of maintaining proper posture and improving shoulder proprioception, muscle strength and functional performance.