Effects of an 8-Week Corrective Dance Exercises Intervention on Thoracic Hyperkyphosis, Scapular Position,...

This study examined the impact of an 8-week corrective dance intervention on thoracic hyperkyphosis, scapular position, breathing, and happiness in girls aged 10-12 years.

Sixty participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental (EX) or control (CO) group. The intervention involved rhythmic and corrective movements conducted 3 times a week. Measurements were taken before and after the intervention for thoracic hyperkyphosis angle, scapular position, lung function, and happiness levels.

EX showed greater improvements (P = .001) than CO for the decrement of thoracic hyperkyphosis angle (48.20-42.80°) than in CO (47.66°-46.59°), and scapular position improved more (P = .003) in EX (1.48°-1.20°) than in CO (1.44°-1.42°). Forced vital capacity (P = .001) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (P = .001) significantly increased in EX (FVC: 2.65-3.40 L; FEV1: 2.32-2.74 L), while they remained stable in CO. Happiness levels significantly improved (P = .001) in EX (42.20-49.79) and slightly decreased in CO (41.80-40.15).

The 8-week dance program improved posture, scapular position, breathing, and happiness in girls aged 10-12 years. It enhances physical health, emotional well-being, and social skills in children and adolescents.