Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
07:01
Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: December 2, 2025
Comparative Effectiveness of Isometric and Isotonic Exercises on Hyperkyphosis, Forward Head Posture, and Rounded
Arash Khaledi1,2, Hooman Minoonejad2
1Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Ma.C., Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.
The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
|May 18, 2026
Summary
Both isometric and isotonic exercises effectively improved posture in adults with Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS). No significant difference was found between exercise types, though isotonic showed slightly greater improvements in forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and thoracic kyphosis.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics and Exercise Science
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Ergonomics and Occupational Health
Background:
- Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) is characterized by postural imbalances like forward head posture (FHP), rounded shoulders (RSH), and increased thoracic kyphosis.
- Strengthening exercises are known to improve UCS symptoms, but the comparative efficacy of isometric versus isotonic training remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of isometric and isotonic strengthening exercises in improving FHP, RSH, and thoracic kyphosis in individuals with UCS.
- To determine if one exercise modality offers superior benefits for postural correction in this population.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 43 sedentary adults diagnosed with UCS.
- Participants were assigned to isometric, isotonic, or control groups for an eight-week supervised exercise intervention.
- Postural assessment utilized photogrammetry for FHP and RSH, and a flexible ruler for thoracic kyphosis, with ANCOVA for statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- Both isometric and isotonic exercise groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in FHP, RSH, and thoracic kyphosis compared to the control group (P < .001).
- No statistically significant differences were found between the isometric and isotonic exercise groups.
- The isotonic group showed marginally greater improvements in all measured postural variables.
Conclusions:
- Both isometric and isotonic exercises are effective in improving postural outcomes for individuals with UCS.
- Current evidence does not support a definitive advantage of one exercise type over the other for UCS.
- Further research with extended intervention periods and larger cohorts is recommended to identify potential subtle clinical differences.
