1 Department of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Deemed to Be University, Karad. Email: janhavinkatrodia@gmail.com
2* HOD, Associate Professor, Department of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy, Krishna College of Physiotherapy, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Deemed to Be University, Karad. Email: rads2009@gmail.com (Corresponding Author)
Orcid.id – 0009-0007-7095-3156 and 2Orcid.id – 0000-0003-1931-7684
Background
The postpartum period is associated with musculoskeletal adaptations due to hormonal changes, breastfeeding posture, and increased breast weight. These factors may influence spinal alignment and scapular mechanics. Increased breast weight shifts the center of gravity anteriorly, contributing to postural deviations such as increased thoracic kyphosis and altered cervical lordosis. These adaptations may further affect scapular stability and movement. However, limited literature has explored these relationships in breastfeeding postpartum women. This study aimed to determine the correlation between breast weight, postural deviation, and scapular kinematics.
Material and Methodology
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 252 breastfeeding postpartum women. Breast weight was measured using a digital hanging weighing machine. Thoracic kyphosis and cervical lordosis were assessed using the flexicurve method. Scapular kinematics were evaluated using the Scapular Dyskinesis Test and the Lateral Scapular Slide Test (LSST).
Result
The mean breast weight was 2.02 ± 0.66 kg. Mean thoracic kyphosis and cervical lordosis were 13.68 ± 2.09° and 27.24 ± 5.42°, respectively. A strong positive correlation was found between breast weight and thoracic kyphosis (ρ = 0.70, p < 0.001). Breast weight showed a weak, non-significant negative correlation with cervical lordosis (ρ = −0.10). Participants with positive LSST demonstrated significantly higher breast weight and thoracic kyphosis compared to those with negative LSST (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Increased breast weight is significantly associated with increased thoracic kyphosis and altered scapular stability in breastfeeding postpartum women. Early identification and physiotherapeutic intervention may help prevent postural dysfunction and musculoskeletal complications.
Keywords: Breast weight, postural changes, thoracic kyphosis, scapular kinematics, breastfeeding mothers, Postpartum musculoskeletal changes.
How to cite this article: Katrodia JN, Chintamani R. Correlation between Breast Weight, Postural Deviation, Scapular Kinematics in Breastfeeding Postpartum Women. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(5): 79-85. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.5.8
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None