The Effects of Corrective Exercises and Respiratory Biofeedback on the Kyphosis Angle and Electrical Activity of Trapezius Muscles in Male Adolescents With Kyphosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Thoracic kyphosis is a prevalent postural abnormality among adolescents, which can impair musculoskeletal alignment and affect neuromuscular function. Despite the known benefits of corrective exercises, limited attention has been given to the role of respiratory biofeedback. This study aimed to investigate the effects of corrective exercises and respiratory biofeedback on the kyphosis angle and the electrical activity of the trapezius muscles in male adolescents with kyphosis.

METHODS

A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 45 male adolescents with postural kyphosis, randomly assigned into three groups: corrective exercises (n = 15), respiratory biofeedback (n = 15), and control (n = 15). The interventions were delivered for 8 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention during the study period. Kyphosis angle was measured using a flexible ruler, and surface electromyography was used to assess the electrical activity of upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles in two stages of pre-test and post-test. Data were analyzed using two-way mixed repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests at significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

Both the corrective exercise and respiratory biofeedback groups showed significant reductions in kyphosis angle and trapezius muscle activity after the intervention (p < 0.001), whereas the control group showed no significant change (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two intervention groups. However, both were significantly better than the control group in improving postural alignment and muscle activity (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Eight weeks of corrective exercises or respiratory biofeedback training significantly improved spinal curvature and muscle activity of trapezius muscle in adolescents with kyphosis. These interventions are recommended as effective non-invasive approaches to address postural abnormalities in young populations.