Short term effect of spinal mobilization with movement (MWM) on pulmonary functions in nonsmokers with thoracic hyperkyphosis: a randomized single-blinded controlled trial

ABSTRACT

Objectives

To investigate the effect of mobilization with movement (MWM) on pulmonary functions in subjects with thoracic hyperkyphosis.

Methods

This randomized single-blinded controlled trial included a sample of 50 subjects (age 18 − 25 years old) with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Subjects were randomly allocated into two groups; the Real MWM group (n = 25) which received thoracic MWM plus standard postural correction exercises, and the Sham MWM group (n = 25) which received sham MWM plus standard postural correction exercises. Digital X-ray and handheld spirometer were used to measure selected pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, MVV) respectively.

Results

Within-group comparisons demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures in both groups. The between-group comparisons demonstrated significant improvement in the MWM compared to the Sham group regarding the value of FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, and MVV (P < .05).

Conclusion

In young adults with thoracic hyperkyphosis, MWM plus postural exercise produces better improvements in FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and MVV compared to sham MWM plus postural exercise.

KEYWORDS:

• Kyphosis
• mobilization with movement
• respiratory function tests

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplemental data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2022.2075203.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.