Effectiveness of Blackburn Exercise with Thoracic Extension Exercises Versus Thoracic Extension Exercise on Postural Hyper Kyphosis and Scapula Position in Young Asymptomatic Individuals - A Comparative Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The spine is composed of two types of curvature: kyphosis and lordosis. Postural hyper kyphosis is the most common posture abnormality and can happen at any age. Causes are idiopathic, sedentary lifestyle, impairments, and aging. Abnormal posture has a detrimental effect on articular and muscular structures as it leads to muscular weakness and degenerative changes. It affects the muscular tension around the neck and shoulder; as it shifts the neck forward (muscle tightness) and the shoulder moves more internally, leading the upper back scapular muscle lengthening. This study uses a flexi-curve ruler to measure postural hyper kyphosis and lateral scapula slide test(LSST) to measure scapula distance. The Blackburn protocol is often used for shoulder and scapular impairments; in this study, the protocol is used to manage postural hyper kyphosis as it targets the same muscle groups that are in an altered state. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of Blackburn exercise along with thoracic extension exercise versus thoracic extension exercise on postural hyper kyphosis and scapula position in young asymptomatic individuals. METHODS: A comparative study included 70 samples, age between 18 and 28, divided into 2 groups. The degree of kyphosis was measured using a flexi curve ruler (fcr), and scapula distance was measured using a lateral scapula slide test (lsst) at three positions. Intervention was given for six weeks. RESULTS: After 6 weeks of data analysis, Group A's p-value for kyphosis angle is 0.5 and lateral scapula slide test at 0 degree is 0.735, at 45 degree is 0.1992, and at 90 degree is 0.536, showing significant improvement over another group. Conclusion: Blackburn exercises, along with thoracic extension exercises, were found to be effective in reducing the angle of kyphosis in the young population. Keywords: Hyper kyphosis, Flexi curve Ruler, LSST, Blackburn protocol.