• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.205-213
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• 2021

Purpose: This study investigated the immediate effects of a figure-8 shoulder brace and taping intervention on round shoulder posture, thoracic kyphosis, and chest expansion mobility in forward head posture. Methods: Thirty patients with forward head posture were assigned randomly to the figure-8 shoulder brace group (n = 15) or the taping intervention group (n = 15). Patients were assessed for forward head posture, shoulder posture, thoracic kyphosis, and chest expansion. Results: The figure-8 shoulder brace and taping intervention groups showed a significant difference for forward head posture, shoulder posture, and thoracic kyphosis after the experiment (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest that a figure-8 shoulder brace and taping intervention has a positive effect on rounded shoulder posture, thoracic kyphosis, and chest expansion in patients with forward head posture.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.391-397
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• 2022

Purpose: Recently, as a result of the use of smart devices, the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases in areas such as the neck and shoulders has increased. A common effect is rounded shoulder posture, which badly affects the movement and posture of the scapula, causing musculoskeletal disease. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of three shoulder brace products on rounded shoulder posture. Methods: A total of 12 subjects comprising men and women in their 20s with round shoulder posture participated in this study. Three shoulder brace designs were selected, and the height change of the shoulder acromion in the lying state before and after wearing the braces was measured. Effectiveness verification was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The results confirmed that the different shoulder brace designs had different effects on round shoulder posture. Conclusion: Currently, numerous designs of shoulder braces are being sold, but their effects have not been verified. In the future, more diverse designs of shoulder braces should be studied, and effective shoulder brace designs should be developed and used.

• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.71-89
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to design posture braces for rounded shoulders by examining characteristics of incorrect postures of rounded shoulders. The review of information in literature on rounded shoulder postures, correction exercise methods, and posture correction devices, has prompted this study to determine the design and material of a proper posture brace for rounded shoulders. In order to develop the pattern of a posture brace for rounded shoulders for women, the study carried out a comfort evaluation of the braces based on the 2D patterns through drafting method by utilizing the body measurements and relational formulae associated with the major body measurement such as bust circumference and on the 3D patterns of the brace which were obtained from 3D human model of women in their early 20s in Korea. Differences in angles were noted when 2D and 3D patterns of shoulder posture braces were compared. The side neck point was relocated farther outside in the 3D pattern to allow additional flexibility in the back-neck area, and the shoulder band was lowered by 14.8°, increasing armhole area comfort. The upper hemline of the front panel was found to rotate upward at an angle of 22.0° as the underarm point of the 3D pattern moved upwards than the underarm point of the 2D pattern, which enhanced comfort in the abdomen area. The 3D designs of shoulder posture brace was preferred in this study, as they significantly improved comfort while conducting fit evaluation compared to the 2D patterns of shoulder posture brace.