Comparing two corrective exercise approaches for body image and upper-quadrant posture in schoolgirls with...

Area of Science:

• Musculoskeletal health and movement science
• Exercise physiology and biomechanics
• Pediatric health and rehabilitation

Background:

• Proper posture is crucial for overall health and a key indicator of musculoskeletal and movement system well-being.
• Hyperkyphosis, an excessive outward curvature of the spine, affects schoolgirls and can impact posture and potentially body image.
• Targeted exercise interventions are being explored to address postural issues like hyperkyphosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of 6-week NASM-based exercise training versus eccentric-based exercise programs on upper-quarter posture and body image in schoolgirls with hyperkyphosis.
• To evaluate postural changes including kyphosis, shoulder angle, and forward head posture.
• To assess the impact of these interventions on participants' body esteem.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving three groups: NASM-based exercise, eccentric-based exercise, and a control group.
• Participants underwent a 6-week intervention period with posture and body image assessments conducted before and after.
• Posture was measured using photogrammetry and a Kyphometer; body image was assessed via the Body Esteem Scale questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Both NASM-based and eccentric-based exercise interventions significantly improved kyphosis, shoulder angle, and forward head posture compared to the control group.
• No significant differences in body image were observed across any of the groups.
• There were no statistically significant differences in postural improvements between the NASM-based and eccentric-based exercise groups.

Conclusions:

• Six-week interventions using NASM-based or eccentric-based exercises are effective in improving postural parameters in schoolgirls with hyperkyphosis.
• These exercise programs do not appear to significantly influence body image in this population.
• Both NASM-based and eccentric-based exercises offer comparable benefits for correcting upper-quarter postural deviations in hyperkyphotic schoolgirls.