Effects of Combined Exercise Program on Spinal Curvature and Balance Ability in Adolescents with Kyphosis

Abstract

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is associated with postural abnormality, physical function, and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effects of a combined exercise program on the spinal curvature and balance ability in adolescents with kyphosis. Fifty-one adolescents (mean age 21.95 ± 3.90 year, 23 male and 28 female) diagnosed with kyphosis were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 26). All participants in the study group underwent a combined exercise program for 60 min, three times per week, for 12 weeks. Cobb’s angle and forward head angle showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.001). The anterior and posterior weight distributions of static and dynamic plantar foot pressures showed a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.001), and significant differences were observed only in the study group (p < 0.001). However, the left and right static plantar foot pressures did not differ significantly. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a combined exercise program is an effective intervention for the improvement of alignment in the spinal curve and balance in adolescents with postural kyphosis.

Keywords: Cobb’s angle; balance; complex exercise; postural kyphosis; spinal curvature.

Figure 1

Thoracic kyphosis measured from the upper endplate of the T5 to the lower endplate of the T12 using Cobb’s method.

Figure 2

Forward head angle measured from the vertical anteriorly to a line connecting the tragus and the C7 marker.