Study and influence of exercise program on respiratory function of adults with kyphosis.

Adolescent idiopathic kyphosis causes not only spinal deformities but also rib cage abnormalities that lead to abnormal residual volume and pulmonary capacity revealed in pulmonary function testing (PFT). The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of a physical activity program on respiratory function in surgical patients with kyphosis. From October 2006 to October 2007, a total of 34 patients (age range, 22 to 42 years) with kyphosis and a thoracic curvature between 45 and 88 were examined prospectively at a sports medicine clinic belonging to National Iranian Oil Company (N.I.O.C.). The patients underwent clinical and radiographic examinations of the vertebral deformity, chest radiography, PFT, evaluation of peak expiratory flow rate, and 6-min walk tests (6MWTs) before and after joining a physical activity program for 4 months. The improvements in FVC, inspiratory capacity, FEV1, expiratory reserve volume, and performance assessed by 6MWT were observed after activity. General condition of patients improved after the exerscise program. This was reflected by both PFT and 6MWT results.