The Effects of Manipulation Therapy on Lumbar Lordosis and Thoracic Kyphosis in Individuals with Flat Back: Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: A flat back causes pain and disability in people with spinal deformity. This study investigated the effects of manipulation therapy on lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles in individuals with flat backs. Methods: Eight individuals with a flat back participated in this study and were enrolled through an institutional review board-approved protocol. The participants underwent manipulation therapy for 20 minutes a day, three times weekly for 4 weeks. Lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles were assessed using digital radiography (MDXP-40, MEDIEN, Korea). Paired t tests were used to compare the differences in lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis angles between pre- and post-intervention. Results: After the intervention, the lumbar lordosis angle was significantly increased (p<0.05). While the thoracic kyphosis angles also increased, the difference was not statistically significant between pre- and post-intervention. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that manipulation therapy of the lumbo-thoracic spine improves spinal malalignment in individuals with a flat back.