Does stretching of anterior structures alone, or in combination with strengthening of posterior structures, decrease...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Hyperkyphosis, characterized by excessive outward curvature of the spine, is associated with adverse health outcomes including back pain, poor posture, and increased fall risk in adults.
• Effective management strategies are crucial for improving quality of life and functional independence in the aging population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize existing research on the efficacy of stretching, with or without strengthening exercises, for managing hyperkyphosis in adults.
• To evaluate the evidence for stretching as a standalone intervention versus a combined approach with strengthening exercises.

Main Methods:

• A systematic electronic database search was conducted in February-March 2022, identifying 327 articles.
• Eighteen articles met inclusion criteria, focusing on interventions involving stretching alone or combined with strengthening exercises.
• A meta-analysis was performed on relevant studies (n=3, 5 exercise groups) alongside a narrative review.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in hyperkyphosis following exercise interventions (MD = -6.97, p<0.00001).
• The narrative review corroborated these findings, indicating significant improvements in hyperkyphosis with various exercise programs.
• Evidence supporting stretching as a standalone intervention was found to be of low quality.

Conclusions:

• Combined stretching and strengthening exercises demonstrate short-term and long-term effectiveness in improving hyperkyphosis in adults.
• Further high-quality research is needed to establish definitive treatment protocols and confirm the efficacy of stretching alone for adult hyperkyphosis.