Effects of Scapular Posterior Tilt Exercises and Cross-Body Stretching in Postpartum Women With Rounded Shoulders

Comparative Effects of Scapular Posterior Tilt Exercises and Cross-Body Stretching on Breastfeeding Efficiency Latch Quality and Posture in Postpartum Women With Rounded Shoulders

This study aims to compare the effects of scapular posterior tilt exercises and cross-body stretching on breastfeeding efficiency, latch quality, and posture in postpartum women with rounded shoulders.

This randomized clinical study will include 30 postpartum women (2 weeks to 6 months postpartum) who will meet the inclusion criteria for rounded shoulders and will be actively breastfeeding. The study will be conducted at Sheik Zaid Hospital and will include multiparous women. Participants will be randomly allocated into two intervention groups: Group A, which will perform scapular posterior tilt exercises, and Group B, which will engage in cross-body stretching exercises. Both groups will undergo their respective intervention protocols three times per week over a period of four weeks. All participants will receive standardized ergonomic education focused on proper breastfeeding posture. The tools that will be used for assessment include the Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (BBAT) for latch quality, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES) for breastfeeding efficiency, and a posture analysis using the AI Posture Evaluation and Correction System (APECS). Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention. Data will be entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mutiparous females.
• previous cesarean section deliveries
• Postpartum women between 2 weeks and 6 months postpartum.
• Experiencing shoulder discomfort or poor posture

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of recent trauma or surgery such a Arthroscopy for Impingement Syndrome, Shoulder Replacement that affecting the shoulder complex.
• Mother with history of breast cancer and hepatitis
• History of shoulder surgery, trauma, or musculoskeletal disorders affecting the upper back/shoulder (Trapezius muscles train, Levator scapulae and rhomboid overuse)
• Severe postnatal complications (e.g., mastitis, postpartum depression, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes.