The Investigation of the Relationship of Kyphosis with the Endurance of Core Stability Muscles of Trunk and Cardiorespiratory Endurance in University Students Aged between 18 and 20

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of thoracic kyphosis with cardiorespiratory endurance and the endurance of core stability muscles in the trunk of university students aged between 18 and 20. Statistical sample included 194 female and 154 male new students in academic year of 1390-91 in Tehran University of Medical Sciences who were randomly selected. A flexible ruler was used to measure thoracic kyphosis angle. 20 m shuttle run was used to evaluate cardiorespiratory endurance and a series of functional tests derived from deep stability exercises were used to evaluate the endurance of core stability muscles. The results showed a significant negative relationship (P < 0.05) between increased thoracic kyphosis and cardiorespiratory endurance and the endurance of core stability muscles of the trunk (p˂0.05). Proper planning seems necessary due to the high incidence of increased thoracic kyphosis and low level of cardiorespiratory endurance in those students who enter the universities from schools.