International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN (Online): 2319-7064 Index Copernicus Value (2013): 6.14 | Impact Factor (2013): 4.438 Volume 4 Issue 5, May 2015 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Effect of Scapular Position in Computer Professionals with Neck pain Jyoti Dahiya 1 , Savita Ravindra 2 1 Assistant Professor’s, Banarsidas chandiwala Institute of Physiotherapy, New Delhi, India 2Head of department , M.S.Ramaiah Medical college Bangalore, India Abstract: Study design -case control study. Objectives are To study scapular position in computer professionals with neck pain and without neck pain.To compare scapular position in computer professionals with and without neck pain Background Abnormal or altered scapular position is defined as an observable alteration in the position and motion of the scapula relative to the thoracic cage .Poor postural habits and neck pain are increasingly common among individuals who work predominately on computer. Methods and measures An case control study with convenience sampling was done with 100 subjects. Each subject Scapular protraction measurements were taken with the participant standing with normal, relaxed posture. The measurements were performed at 3 different positions ( at rest, hands on hip, and 90 0 glenohumeral abduction). First the inferior angle of scapula was palpated and marked, then the lateral arm of the vernier caliper was then positioned at the corresponding spinous process, and the measurement was recorded. All measurements were taken bilaterally. Also scapular upward rotation was measured with the help of baseline digital inclinometer at rest, 60 and 90 degree glenohumeral abduction . Results The results showed that there is a significant difference in scapular position and in computer professionals with neck pain.conclusion In the present study it was concluded that scapular position is altered which includes altered scapular protaction and upward roation in computer professionals who are suffering from neck pain in all three positions that is at rest, hands on hip, and 90 degree glenohumeral abduction and in scapular upward rotation. Keywords: Neck pain, scapula position, altered scapular position, computer professionals. 1. Introduction The position of scapula is the key contributor to normal and abnormal scapular motion and control. Normally scapula rests at a position on the posterior thorax approximately two inches from the midline, between the second and seventh ribs. The scapula also is internally rotated from vertical, and is upwardly rotated 10 to 20 degrees from vertical 1 . Scapular position on the thorax and control during motion is a critical component of normal shoulder function. During elevation of the arm overhead, scapula should upwardly rotate and posteriorly tilt on the thorax. Upward rotation is the predominant scapulothoracic motion 2 . Protraction and retraction of the scapula on the thorax are often described as translatory motions of the scapula away or toward the vertebral column, respectively. There is evidence for a causal relationship between highly repetitive work and neck and neck/shoulder musculoskeletal disorders. Most of the epidemiological studies reviewed have defined repetitive work for the neck as work activities which involve continuous arm and hand movements which affect the neck/shoulder musculature and generate loads on the neck/shoulder area resulting in altered scapular position 3 . Abnormal or altered scapular position is defined as an observable alteration in the position and motion of the scapula relative to the thoracic cage .alterations that have been identified in computer professionals include increased protraction 4 . Scapular protraction is an abnormal position which has been defined as an increased distance between the inferior angle of scapula and the spinous process ofcoressponding vertebra 5 . Some authors reported that imbalanced force produce superior translation of the scapula with less efficient downward rotation and increased posterior tipping 6 . Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are an important health problem in many industrialized countries 7. This term is not a diagnosis, but an umbrella term for disorders that develop as a result of repetitive movements, awkward postures, and impact of force 8 . many epidemiological studies have demonstrated that specific work – related risk factors may cause musculoskeletal complaints 9 . Poor postural habits and neck pain are increasingly common among individuals who work predominately on computer. Common poor postures include forward head position, protracted shoulder, and scapular winging and tipping.. Changes in the alignment of either the scapulae or the cervical spine can potentially influence the biomechanics of the other by altering the tension at cervicoscapularmuscles . Computer professionals who work for long hours used to adapt poor work posture most commonly altered scapular postures which cause various musculoskeletal disorders 10 . Computer professionals who work on computer for long hours continuously, he or she may notice increasing aches and pains in some parts of the body, usually musculoskeletal in nature. Pain in the neck has become one of the leading problems nowadays. Neck flexion, forward head posture , scapular retraction, forward stoop posture are some of the faulty postural alignment, resulting in neck pain due to increased cervical muscle activity to support head in forward position and results in increase in fatigue 11 . Overtime the muscles and other soft tissues tighten up due to the excessive workload required to hold the head in position. The anterior neck muscles become weak from being stretched and neural structures are kept in less than optimal positions. This chronic overload and tightening of soft tissues may eventually result in decreased blood flow and Paper ID: SUB154634 2075