Wei-L Hsu
National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Title: Exercise for postural kyphosis in individuals with osteoporosis
Biography
Biography: Wei-L Hsu
Abstract
Introduction: Postural kyphosis has been reported in individuals with osteoporosis and is potentially improved through exercise-based interventions such as strengthening and stretching exercise. Myofascial release could decrease pain, increase joint mobility and improve posture. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of stretching exercise and myofascial release on kyphotic posture in people with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Methods: Thirty-tree osteoporotic and osteopenic women received both stretching exercise of bilateral pectoralis major muscles and myofascial release of left pectoralis minor muscle in a single session. The stretching exercise was performed in hook lying position and the legs were rotated in the opposite direction of the stretched arm. The myofascial release technique was positioned in supine lying with left arm placed at 90∘abduction. Face pain scale for back pain, occipital-wall distance, pectoralis minor length and trunk flexion/extension range of motion were measured before and after intervention. Results: Single session of combination of stretching exercise and myofascial release on pectoralis minor may have immediate beneficial effects on back pain, kyphosis and trunk mobility in older adults with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Conclusion: Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of these intervention techniques.