A Physical Therapist in Massachusetts, who recently completed the online Building Better Bones Continuing Education course for Physical Therapists, contacted me and asked for studies that demonstrated the effectiveness of postural exercises on decreasing kyphosis.
She wanted to access the data so that she could show her clients that they were following the right program and that there are benefits of a postural exercise program.
Do Postural Exercises Improve Kyphosis?
I am currently running a small group (2 to 4 people) exercise class.
I would like to be able to tell my clients who attend the exercise class that an improvement in kyphotic posture will result from following an exercise program on a regular basis.
Have there been any formal studies on the effectiveness of your postural exercises on decreasing the actual degree of kyphosis as measured by the Flexicurve pre- and post-treatment sessions?
Postural Exercises and Osteoporosis
Wendy Katzman, PT, DPTSc, Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of California (San Francisco) did a good review of this topic recently. The study is called Age-Related Hyperkyphosis: Its Causes, Consequences, and Management. The section, Exercise: Indications and Contraindications, is of particular relevance.
Some of the exercises in the studies are under the Beginner strength in the MelioGuide Exercise for Better Bones program. Other exercises are located in the Postural section of the MelioGuide Exercise for Better Bones program.
On a personal note, I used the Postural exercises in a retirement home setting. I worked with a small group class once per week.
I measured heights before starting the program and after only 4 weeks of completing the exercises. Some of the participants had made gains of 2 cm.
Frequently, progress depends how rigid the spine is.
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