The comparison of two corrective exercise approaches for hyperkyphosis and forward head posture: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Background: Hyperkyphosis (HKP) and forward head posture (FHP) occur due to prolonged poor postures and repetitive activities.

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the effects of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and Sahrmann corrective exercises on HKP and FHP correction.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 subjects with HKP and FHP, who were randomly assigned to the NASM (n= 15) and Sahrmann groups (n= 15). The ImageJ software and a spinal mouse device were used to measure FHP and HKP deformities, and neck and shoulder muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), and pulmonary function were assessed as the secondary outcomes before and after the eight-week intervention.

Results: FHP improved more significantly in the Sahrmann group compared to the NASM group (P< 0.05), while no significant difference was observed between the groups in HKP (P> 0.05). The improvement in the neck and shoulder muscle strength was more significant in the Sahrmann group compared to the NASM (P< 0.05), except for the neck flexors. In addition, the neck extension ROM enhanced more significantly in the Sahrmann group compared to the NASM group (P< 0.05).

Conclusion: According to the results, the Sahrmann corrective exercises that focused on the correction of imbalanced muscle stiffness had more significant effects on the correction of FHP, neck and shoulder muscle strength and neck extension ROM.

Keywords: Forward head posture; corrective exercises; hyperkyphosis; pulmonary function.