Effect of Kyphosis Exercises on Physical Function, Postural Control and Quality of Life in Elderly Men With Hyperkyphosis

The present study investigated the effect of kyphosis correction exercise program on physical function, balance, and the quality of life in older men with hyperkyphosis.  Twenty-four men with kyphosis of ≥50° were randomly assigned into an intervention group (n=12, with Mean±SD age=68.75±2.67 years, Mean±SD height=173.66±3.75 cm, Mean±SD weight=73.5±4.75 kg), and a control group (n=12, with Mean±SD age=69.5±2.64 years, Mean±SD height=174.4±7.78 cm, Mean±SD weight= 75.41±5.21 kg). The intervention group attended the corrective exercises program, consisting of 6 exercises that were conducted in 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Thoracic kyphosis was assessed using flexible ruler and measuring distance between T2-T12 vertebras. Quality of life, static balance on both the eyes open and eyes closed and physical performance were assessed using 36-item Short Form Health Survey, sharpened Romberg test, and 6-minute walk test, respectively. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the obtained data, at the significance level of P<0.05. The obtained results suggest that kyphosis corrective exercises program have significant positive effects on physical function, balance, and movement confidence in the elderly people (P<0.05). In addition, after implementing 12 weeks of kyphosis corrective exercises, physical pain, physical function/ limitations, public and mental health were significantly improved (P<0.05). While other dimensions of the quality of life, showed no significant changes (P>0.05). Based on the study results, kyphosis corrective protocol can improve physical function, balance and the quality of life. It could also reduce the economic burden of the disease, and complications related to aging in older men with kyphosis ≤50°. Therefore, we can recommended this corrective exercise program to improve the quality of life and their satisfaction in the elderly.