Immediate Effects of Different Stretching Methods for Pectoralis Minor Muscle

The aim of our study is to compare the effects of different stretching methods for the pectoralis minor (PM) muscle on scapula position, PM muscle length and scapular muscle activation in individuals with shoulder protraction. Unilateral corner stretching, manual stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching methods will be applied randomly, 2 days apart, to volunteer individuals who agree to participate in our study. Three different stretching methods (unilateral corner stretching, manual stretching and PNF stretching) will be applied to individuals randomly, 48 hours apart, and PM length, PM index, scapula upward rotation and EMG values will be recorded by a blind evaluator before and after the stretching application.

Our study will include individuals who volunteer to participate in the study, and informed consent will be obtained from the individuals. Shoulder protraction will be determined according to the measurement result of the distance between the posterolateral side of the acromion and the bed in the supine position of the individual. If the distance is 2.6 centimeters or more, it will be recorded as shoulder protraction posture. PM length, PM index, upward rotation angle of the scapula at 0°, 45°, 90° and 135° abduction, electromyographic (EMG) muscle activation of the upper trapezius, middle trapezius, lower trapezius and serratus anterior muscles will be evaluated by a blind evaluator before and after the stretching methods. Unilateral corner stretching, manual stretching and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching methods will be applied randomly, 48 hours apart. The order of Unilateral Corner Stretching, Manual Stretching and PNF Stretching methods to be applied to individuals will be assigned with the simple allocation using random allocation. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 22.0 will be used to evaluate the data obtained from the study and create tables. The Shapiro-Wilk test will be used to determine the distribution of the data. Descriptive statistics of numerical variables with normal distribution will be indicated by X ± SD, descriptive statistics of numerical variables without normal distribution will be indicated by median and (IQR), descriptive statistics of categorical variables will be indicated by frequency and percentage (%). Paired Sample T test will be used for intra-group comparison of normally distributed data and Wilcoxon test will be used for intra-group comparison of non-normally distributed data. The one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be performed to compare the three groups. The statistical significance level will be set at p\<0.05 and a post-hoc multiple comparisons test with Bonferroni correction will be performed.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Having a shoulder protraction posture
* Not having had a shoulder surgery before
* Agreeing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cervical or shoulder pain
* Adhesive capsulitis
* Thoracic outlet syndrome
* Shoulder instability
* Shoulder surgery history
* Numbness or tingling in the upper extremity