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Application of Conservative Methods Based on Exercise in Reducing the Kyphotic Angle: A Meta-Analysis.
Vanja Dimitrijević1,2, Bojan Rašković1,3, Miroslav P Popović4
1Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 29, 2025
Summary
Conservative exercise methods effectively reduce the kyphotic angle in individuals with hyperkyphosis, including those with osteoporosis. This meta-analysis confirms positive outcomes for spinal curve correction.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Physical Therapy
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Hyperkyphosis, characterized by an increased kyphotic angle, affects spinal health.
- Conservative methods, particularly exercise-based interventions, are explored for managing spinal deformities.
- Evaluating the efficacy of these conservative approaches is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating the effect size of conservative, exercise-based methods on reducing the kyphotic angle.
- To synthesize evidence from existing studies on the impact of physical exercise on spinal curvature.
- To assess the effectiveness of conservative treatments for hyperkyphosis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines across Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library.
- Keywords included "Kyphosis", "Hyperkyphosis", "Exercise therapy", and "Conservative treatment".
- Meta-analysis using R software (4.3.2) with the meta package, employing standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for effect size calculation.
Main Results:
- Nineteen studies were included in the quantitative meta-analysis.
- Effect sizes (SMD) ranged from 0.27 to 0.73, indicating a positive effect.
- Heterogeneity varied from 0% to 58%, with GRADE quality of evidence ranging from very low to moderate.
Conclusions:
- Conservative methods centered on exercise demonstrate positive effects in reducing the kyphotic angle.
- These findings apply to individuals with and without osteoporosis who have hyperkyphosis.
- Exercise therapy represents a viable conservative strategy for managing hyperkyphosis.
