The Effect of Stretching the Clavicular Fibers of the Pectoralis Major Muscle on Thoracic Kyphosis Angle

Background : In modern society, many people spend considerable time using visual display terminals, which can accelerate the induction of thoracic kyphosis. The abnormal arrangement of the thoracic vertebrae causes shortening of the pectoralis major muscle, in order to alleviate the thoracic spine lesions, stretching movements in the thoracic spine and thorax can relieve the tension in the intervertebral discs and surrounding tissues between the vertebrae and improve the thoracic kyphosis posture. Objectives : Three kinds of pectoralis major muscle extension training were designed to explore the effect of pectoralis major muscle extension on the angle of thoracic kyphosis, so as to provide theoretical guidance and data support for the clinical treatment and prevention of thoracic kyphosis. Methods : Ten adults with normal thoracic curvature were included in this study. Three methods 1) self-stretching on wall corner, 2) self-stretching with foam roller, 3) stretching in standing posture were applied for 5 days to stretch the pectoralis major. A double inclinometer was placed on the spinous process of the 1st and 12th thoracic vertebrae before and after the experiment, to measure changes in the thoracic kyphosis angle and compare the differences between the anterior and posterior data. Results : The thoracic kyphosis angle after extension exercise of the pectoralis major muscle was 24.9 ±6.78, while the thoracic kyphosis angle calculated before extension exercise was 27.4 ± 7.59, and there was a significant difference between the two p < 0.05. Conclusions : This study suggests that stretching the clavicular fibers of the pectoralis major muscle helps to reduce thoracic kyphosis.