Global Postural Re-education: a literature review

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy
• Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Global Postural Re-education (GPR) is a widely used clinical method for musculoskeletal dysfunction.
• Research has validated GPR's effectiveness, but its mechanisms of action require further investigation.
• This review critically assesses GPR interventions based on existing literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the effects of physical therapy interventions utilizing the Global Postural Re-education method.
• To evaluate the evidence supporting GPR's efficacy in various clinical conditions.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across Medline, SciELO, LILACS, and PeDRO databases.
• Studies published between 2000 and 2010 were included, focusing on keywords: Global Postural Re-education, global stretching, and active stretching.
• Twenty references, including research articles, books, and a thesis, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The review identified 25 relevant studies, with 13 focusing specifically on GPR.
• Evidence suggests GPR may be more effective than other interventions for certain conditions, while others show similar outcomes.
• GPR demonstrated benefits in improving respiratory function, flexibility, pain reduction, and postural stability, and reducing urinary incontinence.

Conclusions:

• Global Postural Re-education (GPR) shows promise in improving various physical function parameters.
• Further high-quality research with methodological rigor is essential to substantiate the underlying mechanisms of GPR.
• The findings highlight the need for robust studies to confirm GPR's clinical effectiveness and optimize its application.