Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 240, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 October 1914 — ROUND SHOULDERS A DEFECT [ARTICLE]

ROUND SHOULDERS A DEFECT

Exercise of Wilf About the Best Method of Prevention—Condition Is Seldom Outgrown. The general appearance of one afflicted with round shoulders and flat chest is quite familiar to> the observer. The head projects forward, the shoulders droop and the chest is narrow and flat The shoulder blades stick out prominently and the abdomen protrudes. Children with round shoulders are as a rule below the average in muscular development and lack vigor, are clumsy in their movements and walk heavily. . There are three kinds of round shoulders—the ordinary round back, the round hollow back and the round back due to forward displacement of the shoulders. During the years( of growth, posture will usually take care of itself, if constant changes are allowed. Change is instinctive and automatic in the child and the varied activities are sufficient to lead it along normal lines. If from inherent weakness or confinement of school life without the 'relief of games and play, this normal development be hindered, the result will soon show in the spine. The causes of round shoulders are those general conditions which produce muscular or. constitutional weakness, like rapid growth, overwork, bad air in schools or the home, acute illness, unhygienic surroundings, or general lack of exercise. It is probable that a weakness of the will is a more important cause than weakness of the muscles. Round shoulders are not likely to be outgrown, as the victims usually

become permanently and structurally set in the faulty position, with flat tened chest walls and distorted figures.