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Effects of a Telerehabilitation-Based Motor Imagery and Exercise Program on Postural Kyphosis in Young Adults: A
Emrah Zirek1, Dilan Acar2, Fidan Zeynallı2
1Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Bingol University, Bingol, Türkiye.
Background And Purpose:
Postural kyphosis is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by impaired postural control, reduced quality of life, and an increased risk of psychosocial complications. This study aimed to investigate the effects of adding telerehabilitation-based motor imagery (MI) to home exercises on kyphosis level, posture, pain, depression, and quality of life in young adults with postural kyphosis.
Methods:
Thirty-five young adults with postural kyphosis were randomly assigned into two groups: Home Exercise (n = 19) and Home Exercise + MI Group (n = 16). The outcome measures included the kyphosis index (KI), wall occiput distance (W-OD), New York posture analysis (NYPA), visual analog scale (VAS), Beck depression scale (BDS), and scoliosis research society-22 (SRS-22).
Results:
Both groups showed significant within-group changes over time on the majority of outcomes (p < 0.05). Compared with exercise alone, the Exercise + MI group showed greater improvements in KI (p < 0.001, g = 2.16), NYPA (p = 0.001, g = 1.39), BDS (p = 0.001, SMD = 1.33), and SRS-22 (p < 0.001, SMD = 2.53).
Discussion:
Integration of MI into the telerehabilitation-delivered home-based exercise program showed significant improvements in postural alignment, depressive symptoms, and quality of life in young adults with postural kyphosis, compared with exercise alone. However, no difference was found in terms of pain reduction and postural stability. These findings suggest that MI may enhance neuromotor control and psychosocial outcomes when integrated into telerehabilitation-based exercise programs.
Trial Registration:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ NCT07122791.
