Comparison of manual therapy and exercise therapy for postural hyperkyphosis: A randomized clinical trial |
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Authors: | Fahimeh Kamali Sara Abolahrari Shirazi Samaneh Ebrahimi Maryam Mirshamsi |
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Institution: | 1. Center for Human Motion Science Research, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran;2. Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran |
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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. |
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Keywords: | Exercise therapy hyperkyphosis manual therapy motion analysis system |
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