Fascial Manipulation(®) method applied to pubescent postural hyperkyphosis: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Treatment of pubescent postural hyperkyphosis commonly includes postural exercises and auto-elongation. Myofascial imbalances can be involved in functional, sagittal plane deviations of spinal curves. This pilot-study assesses the effects of one manual therapy approach that addresses fascial dysfunctions (Fascial Manipulation(®)) in pubescent subjects with postural hyperkyphosis.

METHODS

17 subjects (mean age 11.8 DS 0.8; 9 males, 8 females) were evaluated for familiarity; psychological aspects; sport; pain; anteposition of shoulders, head, and pelvis; distance C7 and L3 from plumb-line; distance fingers to floor on forward bend. Each subject received 2-4 weekly sessions of Fascial Manipulation(®). Parameters were evaluated before and after manual treatment, with a follow-up at 7 months.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was present in all the parameters analysed before and after treatment and at a 7 month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that Fascial Manipulation(®) could represent an approach to integrate into treatment of postural hyperkyphosis in pubescent subjects.