644
Views
0
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Research Papers

A randomized controlled study of the effect of functional exercises on postural kyphosis: Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises versus postural corrective exercises

ORCID Icon &
Pages 1992-2002 | Received 30 Oct 2021, Accepted 22 May 2022, Published online: 12 Jun 2022
 

Abstract

Purpose

To compare the effects of postural corrective and Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises on thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), balance and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with postural kyphosis.

Methods

This was a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial with a total of 63 subjects (57 women, 6 men) with TKA of 40°. Subjects were separated into three groups: postural corrective exercise group (PCEG), Schroth-based three-dimensional exercise group (SBEG) and control group (CG). Participants in the exercise groups participated in the exercise program twice a week for eight weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist: CG performed no exercise but was generally informed. The primary outcome variable was TKA. Secondary outcome variables were LLA, balance and QoL.

Results

After the functional exercise programs, TKA (mean change for PCEG, SBEG: −9.71, −14.76, p < 0.001), static postural stability index overall (−0.22, −0.40, p < 0.05), and QoL (−0.41, −0.37, p < 0.001) significantly improved in both training groups compared with CG. The LLA (−3.95, p = 0.003) was significantly lower in the SBEG group than in CG.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises are an effective treatment for individuals with postural kyphosis and have a large effect size that improves TKA, LLA, balance and QoL. Clinical trial registration number: NCT03706495

    Implications for rehabilitation

  • Eight weeks of postural corrective or Schroth-based three-dimensional functional exercise programs are effective in addressing thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), balance, and quality of life in individuals with postural kyphosis.

  • An eight-week Schroth-based three-dimensional exercise program was more effective than postural corrective exercises in improving TKA, lumbar lordosis angle, and balance for patients with postural kyphosis.

  • Schroth-based three-dimensional exercise programs could promote balance and spinal health in young adults with thoracic kyphosis.

Disclosure statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Trial Registration Data

This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with ID number: NCT03706495

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.