An adult with wedging of the L1 vertebral body would MOST benefit from stretching which muscle groups?

• A. Shoulder horizontal abductors, shoulder lateral rotators, hip extensors, and hip medial rotators
• B. Shoulder horizontal adductors, shoulder medial rotators, hip flexors, and hip medial rotators
• C. Shoulder horizontal adductors, shoulder lateral rotators, hip flexors, and hip external rotators
• D. Shoulder horizontal abductors, shoulder internal rotators, hip extensors, and hip external rotators

Answer: (B)

Wedging of L1 tends to create a forward-rounded posture with a tendency toward anterior pelvic tilt. To improve alignment, you want to lengthen the muscles that pull the chest forward and tilt the pelvis, rather than those that would reinforce the rounded posture.

Stretching the shoulder horizontal adductors lengthens the chest muscles (like pectoralis major/minor), which reduces the tendency for the shoulders to protract and the thoracic spine to remain in a kyphotic position. Stretching the shoulder medial rotators helps diminish internal rotation and forward positioning of the shoulder girdle, promoting better scapular retraction and a more neutral thoracic alignment. Stretching the hip flexors targets the anterior pelvic tilt and the accompanying lumbar flexion, helping restore a more neutral lumbar region. Stretching the hip medial rotators supports balanced hip and pelvis mechanics, aiding overall postural realignment.

So, the combination that fits these goals is stretching the shoulder horizontal adductors, shoulder medial rotators, hip flexors, and hip medial rotators.