Effect of Devised Simultaneous Physical Function Improvement Training and Posture Learning Exercises on Posture

Area of Science:

• Kinesiology
• Physical Therapy
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Poor posture is a significant global health issue, linked to neck and back pain, major causes of disability.
• While muscle training and posture education are known to improve posture, their combined effect and long-term impact remain unverified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the simultaneous effects of physical function improvement training and posture learning on postural alignment.
• To determine the persistence of postural improvements after a four-week intervention period.

Main Methods:

• Forty female university students were divided into four groups: physical function training, posture learning, combination, and control.
• Interventions lasted four weeks, involving specific exercises and educational techniques.
• Postural alignment was assessed using parameters like trunk and pelvic inclination, and vertebral kyphosis angle.

Main Results:

• The combination group demonstrated significant improvements across all measured postural alignment parameters.
• No other group showed comparable improvements in all assessed postural metrics.
• Crucially, all observed postural improvements reverted to baseline levels one week post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Simultaneous physical function training and posture learning effectively improve postural alignment in young adults.
• The positive effects on posture are transient, with no lasting benefits observed one week after intervention cessation.
• Further research is needed to develop interventions that yield sustained improvements in posture.