ABSTRACT
Background and Aim: Obesity is an important factor leading to spine abnormalities. Body fat distribution [type of obesity] is important in relation to its effect on the health of people. The purpose of the present study was to compare thoracic curvature and its abnormality [kyphosis] in apple-shaped and pear-shaped obesity
Material and Methods: This was a case-control study. The subjects in this study consisted of the 6th grade, primary school girls in Arak City, in Iran. 122 obese students were screened using non-randomized and purposeful sampling method based on their body mass index. Finally, 61 students participated in this study. Then, based on waist-to-hip ratio, the students were divided into apple-shaped and pear-shaped obesity groups
Results: We found significant differences between the two groups in relation to the degree of thoracic curvature and the incidence of kyphosis which were more pronounced and more prevalent in the subjects with apple-shaped obesity
Conclusion: The difference in the degree of thoracic curvature and the incidence of kyphosis in the two obesity groups were possibly related to the type of obesity, namely, body fat distribution. It seems that the type of obesity affects the thoracic curvature and can lead to kyphosis
ABSTRACT
Exercise is a widely prescribed treatment for chronic low back pain. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks exercise on pain, disability and endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles in female with chronic idiopathic low back pain. This clinical trial study has been done on 12 patients who referred to the Arak city clinics. The function of trunk flexor-extensor muscles in cases was compared to function of 18 normal females. We use the Quebec pain questionnaire, Oswerstry disability questionnaire and Sorenson and Sit-Up tests. Exercise therapy was performed in three 45 minute's sessions per week. Each session was performed in 3 set. Exercises were repeated 8-12 point in each set. The data was analyzed using t-test. Endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles of patients was significantly lower than normal subjects [P<0.05]. Endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles of patients significantly improved after exercise therapy [P<0.05]. Low back pain of patients was decreased significantly after treatment [[P<0.05]. In addition, significant reduction of disability observed after exercise therapy [P<0.05]. Exercise therapy may increase endurance of trunk flexor-extensor muscles in women with chronic idiopathic low back pain. In addition, it can reduce law back pain and disability in this population