Fahimeh Kamali1, Sara Abolahrari Shirazi1, Samaneh Ebrahimi2, Maryam Mirshamsi2, Ali Ghanbari1. 1. a Center for Human Motion Science Research, Department of Physiotherapy , School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran. 2. b Student Research Committee , Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz , Iran.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of a manual therapy and an exercise therapy program in improving postural hyperkyphosis among young adults. METHODS:Forty-six women between the ages of 18 to 30 years with thoracic kyphosis diagnosed by flexicurve ruler were randomly assigned to either an exercise therapy or a manual therapy group. The exercise therapy program focused on stretching and strengthening exercises in 15 sessions over 5 weeks. The manual therapy group received 15 sessions of manual techniques including massage, mobilization, muscle energy and myofascial release. Kyphosis angle and back extensor muscle strength were measured with a motion analysis system and a dynamometer at the baseline and after treatment. The data were analyzed with paired and independent t-tests. RESULTS: After treatment, the angle of thoracic kyphosis was smaller and back extensor muscle strength was significantly greater in both the exercise and manual therapy groups (p < 0.001). We found no significant differences between groups in the changes in kyphosis angle or muscle strength after treatment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION:Manual therapy was as effective as exercise therapy in reducing kyphosis angle and increasing back extensor muscle strength in young women with postural hyperkyphosis.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of a manual therapy and an exercise therapy program in improving postural hyperkyphosis among young adults. METHODS: Forty-six women between the ages of 18 to 30 years with thoracic kyphosis diagnosed by flexicurve ruler were randomly assigned to either an exercise therapy or a manual therapy group. The exercise therapy program focused on stretching and strengthening exercises in 15 sessions over 5 weeks. The manual therapy group received 15 sessions of manual techniques including massage, mobilization, muscle energy and myofascial release. Kyphosis angle and back extensor muscle strength were measured with a motion analysis system and a dynamometer at the baseline and after treatment. The data were analyzed with paired and independent t-tests. RESULTS: After treatment, the angle of thoracic kyphosis was smaller and back extensor muscle strength was significantly greater in both the exercise and manual therapy groups (p < 0.001). We found no significant differences between groups in the changes in kyphosis angle or muscle strength after treatment (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Manual therapy was as effective as exercise therapy in reducing kyphosis angle and increasing back extensor muscle strength in young women with postural hyperkyphosis.
Entities:
Keywords:
Exercise therapy; hyperkyphosis; manual therapy; motion analysis system