Influence of Virtual Reality Versus Traditional Exercise on Trapezius Muscle EMG Activity in Relaxed and Corrected Postures Among Individuals With and Without Postural Malalignment

Hofstra University

Summary

This study aims to investigate the immediate effects of virtual reality (VR)-based exercise compared with traditional Active free exercise on trapezius muscle activation in adults with and without postural malalignment. Surface electromyography (EMG) will be used to assess upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscle activity during relaxed and corrected postures and during VR and traditional exercise. Demographic data will be collected. The study will also assess posture, trapezius muscle strength, cervical range of motion, Activity level, craniovertebral angle, and neck proprioception. Approximately 40 adults aged 18-35 years will participate in a single study session. The findings may help determine whether VR-based rehabilitation provides an effective and engaging approach for assessing and training postural control and trapezius muscle activation.

Description

This study will investigate the immediate effects of virtual reality (VR)-based exercise compared with traditional exercise on trapezius muscle activation in adults with and without postural malalignment. The study will include approximately 40 adults aged 18-35 years. Participants will be classified according to the presence or absence of postural abnormalities and symptoms. At baseline, demographic and clinical information will be collected, followed by assessment of forward head posture, rounded shoulder posture, trapezius muscle strength, cervical range of motion, Activity level, craniove…

Eligibility

Age range: 18–35 years
Sex: All
Healthy volunteers: Yes

Detailed criteria

Inclusion Criteria: participants will include healthy individuals or individuals with postural malalignment. * Age 18-35 years * Able to provide written informed consent * Able to stand and perform light movement tasks safely * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision * Sufficient intellectual ability to understand and follow instructions * Basic English proficiency to understand study instructions and questionnaires * For symptomatic participants, presence of postural dysfunction at baseline, including one or more of the following: * Forward head posture * Rounded shoulder posture Exclusion Cr…

Interventions

Other
Virtual reality exercise
Participants will perform a Virtualis virtual reality rehabilitation activity using an HTC Vive headset and motion controllers while standing. The activity involves controlled upper-extremity reaching movements designed to encourage scapular retraction and depression and maintenance of an upright head and trunk posture. Trapezius muscle activity will be recorded continuously using surface electromyography (sEMG)
Other
Active free Exercise
Participants will perform standing Active free exercises targeting the upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles. Exercises will include diagonal arm elevation, horizontal abduction, and shoulder elevation. The duration of exercise during the active free condition will be matched to the duration of the VR intervention. Trapezius muscle activity will be recorded continuously using surface electromyography (sEMG).

Location

Hofstra University
Hempstead, New York

Summary

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18–35 years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Detailed criteria

Interventions

Other

Virtual reality exercise

Participants will perform a Virtualis virtual reality rehabilitation activity using an HTC Vive headset and motion controllers while standing. The activity involves controlled upper-extremity reaching movements designed to encourage scapular retraction and depression and maintenance of an upright head and trunk posture. Trapezius muscle activity will be recorded continuously using surface electromyography (sEMG)

Other

Active free Exercise

Participants will perform standing Active free exercises targeting the upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles. Exercises will include diagonal arm elevation, horizontal abduction, and shoulder elevation. The duration of exercise during the active free condition will be matched to the duration of the VR intervention. Trapezius muscle activity will be recorded continuously using surface electromyography (sEMG).