Head and Shoulder Posture

In this article, we discuss how head and shoulder posture has been led to promote motion and muscle activation.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. Whilst this is a good thing, the shoulder is also one of the most injury-prone joints in the body. Proper motion of the shoulder is vital for many sports including weightlifting, powerlifting, and functional training. The positions you place you body in will effect how your shoulder moves.

Research has shown that while there is not ‘perfect’ posture, there are better postures to place the body in to enhance motion and muscle activation. Being more upright, or extended, through thoracic and cervical spine has been shown to increase the motion and muscle activation of the muscles around the shoulder. Research has also shown that this can be achieved by both consciously positioning yourself more upright and/or by using corrective exercises targeted at increasing better activation.

Your position will effect your action. A good starting position can help you achieve a better outcome.

References

Barrett, E., O'Keeffe, M., O'Sullivan, K., Lewis, J., & McCreesh, K. (2016). Is thoracic spine posture associated with shoulder pain, range of motion and function? A systematic review.?Manual therapy,?26, 38–46.

Claus, A. P., Hides, J. A., Moseley, G. L., & Hodges, P. W. (2016). Thoracic and lumbar posture behaviour in sitting tasks and standing: Progressing the biomechanics from observations to measurements.?Applied ergonomics,?53 Pt A, 161–168.

Seidi, F., Bayattork, M., Minoonejad, H., Andersen, L. L., & Page, P. (2020). Comprehensive corrective exercise program improves alignment, muscle activation and movement pattern of men with upper crossed syndrome: randomized controlled trial.?Scientific reports,?10(1), 20688.

Thakur, D., Motimath, B., & Raghavendra, M. (2016). Forward Head Posture Correction Versus Shoulder Stabilization Exercises Effect on Scapular Dyskinesia and Shoulder Proprioception in Athletes an Experimental Study.?International Journal of Physiotherapy,?3(2).