ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: This study examined the inter- and intra-rater reliability of the smartphone inclinometer app (SPI) and flexicurve (FC) for assessing the kyphotic angle in individuals with thoracic kyphosis (TK). METHODS: This study was conducted with 60 subjects (35 males, 25 females) aged 18 to 25 who presented to Kalyon Medical Center, Gaziantep, Turkey, between December 2021 and March 2022. The subjects were evaluated by two independent assessors using FC and SPI to measure the TK angle. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was analysed at a 95% confidence interval. The level of agreement between the methods was checked using Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Inter- and intra-rater measurements were strongly correlated (ICC 0.945 and 0.964, respectively). On the Bland-Altman plots, the FC showed poor agreement with the SPI app (mean difference, 19.81° ± 2.8°). The mean kyphotic angles were 45.15 ± 6.07° and 25.34 ± 4.96°, respectively, as measured by the SPI and FC. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated good intra- and inter-rater reliability of the SPI app and FC for the measurement of the spinal curvature (TK) angle in the sagittal plane. A weak agreement was discerned between the SPI and FC methods.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a comprehensive corrective exercise program on the kyphosis angle and balance in kyphotic adolescents. A total of 62 male adolescents (between the ages of 10 and 18, mean BMI 21.7 kg/m2) with a thoracic kyphosis (TK) angle of ≥ 50° were divided into three groups using the simple randomization method: CCEP (comprehensive corrective exercise program), TEP (thoracic exercise program) and control group. The CCEP program consisted of corrective exercises plus postural perception training (PPT). Exercise programs were applied for 40−50 min, 3 days a week for 12 weeks. The kyphosis angle was measured using a flexible ruler, and balance was assessed using the Romberg index obtained from pedobarography. After training, a highly significant reduction in the kyphosis angle was observed in the CCEP and TEP groups (p < 0.001). Comparison among the groups showed a greater reduction in the kyphosis angle in the CCEP group (p < 0.020). Postural perception improved in the CCEP group versus other groups (p < 0.001). Improvement of the Romberg index (balance) was found only in the CCEP group upon within-group comparison (p < 0.001), with no difference among the groups (p > 0.05). The use of postural perception in combination with corrective exercise programs for thoracic kyphosis represents a comprehensive approach, and PPT can increase the effectiveness of the intervention.
