35 The Impact of Postural Hyperkyphosis on Postural Stability and Cognition

Abstract

Abstract Background Postural Hyperkyphosis results from flexor dominant posture habits. Flexor dominance occurs due to dysfunction of the pontomedullary reticular formation (PMRF) of the brainstem and the vestibular system. The role of the PMRF is to inhibit anterior flexion above T6 spinal level, and the vestibular system stimulates upright postural extension and balance. When patients present with flexor dominance they have a Postural Hyperkyphosis postural distortion pattern and abnormal muscle activation patterns. To correct flexor dominance, practitioners should perform brain-based exercises, not just structural exercises. Brain based stimulation of the vestibular system and the brainstem stimulates upright extension of the Posture System and inhibition of anterior flexion to reduce Postural Hyperkyphosis. Postural Hyperkyphosis contributes to multiple health discrepancies. According to Cohen, Vasavada, and Wiest et al. (2016) in the Frontiers of Neuroscience, Postural Hyperkyphosis is associated with a lower state of cognition. According to Kado, Huang, and Nguyen et al. (2007) in the Journals of Gerontology hyperkyphosis is associated with poor balance and injurious falls in the elderly. Brainstem and vestibular activation reduces flexion and improves extension for better postural correction outcomes. Results Brain Based exercises reduce Postural Hyperkyphosis and improve postural stability and cognition of elderly patients. Brain Based exercises are safe for the elderly to perform and can be easily implemented into physical rehabilitation treatment plans for better postural correction results. Conclusion Correcting Postural Hyperkyphosis to improve Postural Stability and cognition requires a Brain Based treatment protocol.