Swimmer ShoulderNCT07403123
The Effect of Exercise Intervention on Forward Head Posture and Round Shoulder Posture in Symptomatic Competitive Swimmer
A study testing exercise intervention: included three strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises. in people with Swimmer Shoulder and Forward Head Posture, run by Fooyin University at 1 site in Taiwan.
Trial summary
This study is an exercise intervention study, and its findings will help to clarify the effects of exercise on forward head posture and rounded shoulder posture in competitive swimmers. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 16 to 18 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Swimmer Shoulder, Forward Head Posture, Posture and Mobility of the Upper Quadrant
- What is being tested?
- exercise intervention: included three strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises.
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 42 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTaiwan
- Study dates
- 27 Sep 2023to 31 Oct 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 16 to 18 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- High school competitive swimmers
- With shoulder pain: unilateral or bilateral shoulder pain who had a self-reported shoulder pain score of ≥ 40 points for at least one month, measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). VAS scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater pain.
- With round shoulder posture (RSP): Forward shoulder angle (FSA) ≥ 52°.
- With forward head posture (FHP): forward head angle (FHA) ≥ 46°.
Who cannot join
- A history of fractures
- Previous surgery to the upper extremity or shoulder joint
- Full-thickness rotator cuff tears
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Shoulder dislocation
- Structural deformities of the cervical or thoracic spine
- Any neurological disorder
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Taiwan1 site
Department of physical therapy, Fooyin university
Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 831301
About this study
Official title: Competitive Swimmer, Swimmer's Shoulder, Forward Head Posture, Round Shoulder Posture
This study is an exercise intervention study, and its findings will help to clarify the effects of exercise on forward head posture and rounded shoulder posture in competitive swimmers. It is expected that the results of this study will assist in ensuring that forward head posture and rounded shoulder posture are taken into consideration when competitive swimmers undergo related exercise training in the future. The purpose of this experiment is purely for academic research and does not constitute a physical examination or a medical diagnosis.
- Being tested
- exercise intervention: included three strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises.
- Keywords
- swimmer shoulder, forward head posture, round shoulder posture
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
exercise intervention: included three strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises.Other
Strengthening exercises: Based on the relevant literature review, the primary aim of the strengthening exercises was to enhance the strength of the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles, including: Y to W exercise, L to Y exercise and Scapular protraction exercise.
Stretching exercises: Based on a review of the relevant literature, stretching exercises primarily target the pectoralis minor and the cervical extensor muscles, including: Pectoralis flexibility and Chin tucks exercise.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| intervention group | Experimental | The intervention group performed an exercise program targeting RSP and FHP, which included three strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises. Each session lasted approximately 50 minutes and was conducted three times per week for a total of eight weeks. Receives: Other: exercise intervention: included three strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises. |
| non-intervention group | No intervention | The non-intervention group did not receive the above exercise training during the eight-week intervention period; however, the relevant exercise training was provided after the completion of the eight-week experiment. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
forward head angle (FHA)
The forward head angle (FHA) (Degree): The FHA is defined as the angle formed by the intersection of two lines: one vertical line passing through the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), and a second line connecting the C7 spinous process to the tragus of the ear. A larger FHA value indicates a more severe FHP. The examiner photographed the standing posture. The photograph was then analyzed using AutoCAD software (AutoDesk Inc., Sausalito, CA) to calculate the FHA (forward head angle) value.
Measured: Both groups underwent baseline posture assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention posture assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
forward shoulder angle (FSA)
The FSA (forward shoulder angle) (Degree): The FSA is defined as the angle formed by the intersection of two lines: one vertical line passing through the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), and a second line connecting the C7 spinous process to the center of the humerus. A larger FSA value indicates a more severe RSP. The examiner photographed the standing posture. The photograph was then analyzed using AutoCAD software (AutoDesk Inc., Sausalito, CA) to calculate the FSA (forward shoulder angle) value.
Measured: Both groups underwent baseline posture assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention posture assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
Secondary outcomes (4)
Pectoralis minor index (PMI)
PMI (cm/cm): The examiner used a digital caliper to measure the distance between the inferomedial border of the coracoid process and the fourth rib-sternal junction. This measured distance (cm) was then divided by the participant's height (cm) and multiplied by 100 to obtain the PMI.
Measured: Both groups underwent baseline assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI)
SPADI: Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI) was selected for assessment of shoulder pain and disability. Score from 0 to 10. Higher scores indicate greater pain and disability.
Measured: Both groups underwent baseline assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
Scapular upward rotation (SUR) angle
SUR (degree): Measurements were obtained using an ACUMAR™ digital inclinometer. Measurements were taken in three positions: with the arms resting at the sides, with the arms elevated to 60°, and with the arms elevated to 120° . SUR (°) was defined as the angle between the scapular spine and the horizontal reference line.
Measured: Both groups underwent baseline assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
Scapular anterior tilt index (SATI)
SATI: The participant lay supine on a bed in a relaxed position. The distance (cm) between the posterior border of the acromion and the bed surface was measured, and this value was then divided by 100 to obtain the SATI.
Measured: Both groups underwent baseline assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Feb 2026
- Study start27 Sep 2023
- Primary completion23 Mar 2024
- Study completion31 Oct 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Swimmer ShoulderStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Fooyin University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fu-Jie Kang, Fooyin University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07403123
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NCKU HREC-E-112-082-2
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 20 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 11 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Competitive Swimmer, Swimmer's Shoulder, Forward Head Posture, Round Shoulder Posture
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07403123
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NCKU HREC-E-112-082-2
- Keywords
- swimmer shoulder, forward head posture, round shoulder posture
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 42 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Fooyin UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- National Science and Technology Council, Taiwan
- Study start
- 27 Sep 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 23 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Oct 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 11 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study is an exercise intervention study, and its findings will help to clarify the effects of exercise on forward head posture and rounded shoulder posture in competitive swimmers. It is expected that the results of this study will assist in ensuring that forward head posture and rounded shoulder posture are taken into consideration when competitive swimmers undergo related exercise training in the future. The purpose of this experiment is purely for academic research and does not constitute a physical examination or a medical diagnosis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| intervention group | Experimental | Other: exercise intervention: included three strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises.The intervention group performed an exercise program targeting RSP and FHP, which included three strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises. Each session lasted approximately 50 minutes and was conducted three times per week for a total of eight weeks. |
| non-intervention group | No intervention | –The non-intervention group did not receive the above exercise training during the eight-week intervention period; however, the relevant exercise training was provided after the completion of the eight-week experiment. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 16 to 18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- High school competitive swimmers
- With shoulder pain: unilateral or bilateral shoulder pain who had a self-reported shoulder pain score of ≥ 40 points for at least one month, measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). VAS scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater pain.
- With round shoulder posture (RSP): Forward shoulder angle (FSA) ≥ 52°.
- With forward head posture (FHP): forward head angle (FHA) ≥ 46°.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- A history of fractures
- Previous surgery to the upper extremity or shoulder joint
- Full-thickness rotator cuff tears
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Shoulder dislocation
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| exercise intervention: included three strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises.Strengthening exercises: Based on the relevant literature review, the primary aim of the strengthening exercises was to enhance the strength of the middle trapezius, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles, including: Y to W exercise, L to Y exercise and Scapular protraction exercise. Stretching exercises: Based on a review of the relevant literature, stretching exercises primarily target the pectoralis minor and the cervical extensor muscles, including: Pectoralis flexibility and Chin tucks exercise. | Other | intervention group |
Primary outcome
forward head angle (FHA)
Time frame: Both groups underwent baseline posture assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention posture assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
The forward head angle (FHA) (Degree): The FHA is defined as the angle formed by the intersection of two lines: one vertical line passing through the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), and a second line connecting the C7 spinous process to the tragus of the ear. A larger FHA value indicates a more severe FHP. The examiner photographed the standing posture. The photograph was then analyzed using AutoCAD software (AutoDesk Inc., Sausalito, CA) to calculate the FHA (forward head angle) value.
forward shoulder angle (FSA)
Time frame: Both groups underwent baseline posture assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention posture assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
The FSA (forward shoulder angle) (Degree): The FSA is defined as the angle formed by the intersection of two lines: one vertical line passing through the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), and a second line connecting the C7 spinous process to the center of the humerus. A larger FSA value indicates a more severe RSP. The examiner photographed the standing posture. The photograph was then analyzed using AutoCAD software (AutoDesk Inc., Sausalito, CA) to calculate the FSA (forward shoulder angle) value.
4 secondary outcomes
Pectoralis minor index (PMI)
Time frame: Both groups underwent baseline assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
Shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI)
Time frame: Both groups underwent baseline assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
Scapular upward rotation (SUR) angle
Time frame: Both groups underwent baseline assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
Scapular anterior tilt index (SATI)
Time frame: Both groups underwent baseline assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes
Related trials for Swimmer Shoulder
RecruitingObservational study
Relation Between Swimming Stroke Types And Scapular Dyskinesia In Swimmers: A Cross - Sectional Study
Scapular Dyskinesis, Scapuloshoulder Disorders
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Differences in Shoulder Girdle Muscles in Young Swimmers
Young People
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing exercise intervention: included three strengthening exercises and two stretching exercises. in people with Swimmer Shoulder and Forward Head Posture, run by Fooyin University at 1 site in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
forward head angle (FHA) (time frame: Both groups underwent baseline posture assessments prior to the intervention and post-intervention posture assessments at the end of the 8-week training period.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Feb 2026.