March 2025 CME Activity: Effect of Adding Diaphragmatic Myofascial Release to Corrective Exercise on the Thoracic Curvature Angle and Pulmonary Function Testing in Hyperkyphotic Adolescent Girls A Randomized Controlled Trial-Effect of adding diaphragmatic myofascial release to corrective exercise on the thoracic curvature angle and pulmonary function testing in hyperkyphotic adolescent girls: A randomized controlled trial

Effect of adding diaphragmatic myofascial release to corrective exercise on the thoracic curvature angle and pulmonary function testing in hyperkyphotic adolescent girls: A randomized controlled trial

Back to course

Pdf Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of adding diaphragmatic myofascial release to corrective exercises in improving the Cobb angle and pulmonary function in hyperkyphotic adolescent girls. Conducted as a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 118 participants were divided equally into two groups: one receiving only corrective exercises, and the other receiving both corrective exercises and diaphragmatic release.<br /><br />The primary outcome was the Cobb angle, measured using lateral radiographs, while secondary outcomes included pulmonary function tests evaluated through computerized spirometry. Results showed significant improvements in both the Cobb angle and pulmonary function tests for both groups post-treatment. However, the group that received diaphragmatic release alongside corrective exercise demonstrated superior improvements in both primary and secondary outcomes.<br /><br />The study's findings suggest that adding diaphragmatic myofascial release to corrective exercises enhances treatment efficacy, potentially due to improved diaphragm mobility leading to better chest expansion and spinal alignment. This combination of therapies not only reduced thoracic hyperkyphosis more effectively but also improved pulmonary function within a shorter period compared to historical interventions.<br /><br />These results highlight the potential of incorporating diaphragmatic release into therapies for thoracic hyperkyphosis, offering a promising approach to improving spine health and respiratory function in adolescents—a vital consideration given the risk of progression to more severe conditions if left untreated. However, future studies should include long-term follow-up and consider patient-reported outcomes to further validate these findings. The study was limited to hyperkyphotic adolescent girls and did not include more severe cases, suggesting a need for further research into a broader demographic.

Keywords

diaphragmatic myofascial release

corrective exercises

Cobb angle

pulmonary function

hyperkyphotic adolescent girls

randomized controlled trial

spinal alignment

chest expansion

thoracic hyperkyphosis

respiratory function