Effectiveness of corrective exercises using a physioball on the postural status of employees with occupational upper crossed syndrome

Sahebozamani  M; Soltani  R; Khazaei  R; Alauldeen Ahmed  A; Yousif Oudah  A; Basim Fendi A

doi:10.18502/tkj.v18i1.21491

Sahebozamani M Professor, Department of Sports Injuries and biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
Soltani R Industrial Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Khazaei R PhD of corrective exercise and sport injuries, Department of Sports Injuries and biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
Alauldeen Ahmed A PhD student of corrective exercise and sport injuries, Department of Sports Injuries and biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
Yousif Oudah A PhD student of corrective exercise and sport injuries, Department of Sports Injuries and biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
Basim Fendi A PhD student of corrective exercise and sport injuries, Department of Sports Injuries and biomechanics, Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v18i1.21491

Keywords: Corrective exercises, Physio ball, Upper crossed syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) leads to widespread alterations in the upper quarter of the body and represents the most common pattern of postural dysfunction. It describes muscular imbalance and dysfunction of the shoulder girdle and the cervicothoracic region. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of an eight-week corrective exercise program using a physioball on thoracic kyphosis angle and forward head posture in individuals with occupational Upper Crossed Syndrome.

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pretest–posttest design was conducted on 30 male participants diagnosed with UCS. Participants were randomly assigned (simple randomization by drawing lots) into an experimental group and a control group. The participants’ mean age, height, and weight were respectively: control group and experimental group—age (38.48 ± 5.14; 44.31 ± 5.39 years), height (161.85 ± 8.48; 159.15 ± 4.84 cm), and weight (63.31 ± 8.43; 64.54 ± 10.70 kg). Physical parameters included assessment of thoracic kyphosis angle (using a flexible ruler) and forward head angle (photogrammetric method). Measurements were recorded at baseline and after eight weeks. The experimental group performed the exercise protocol for eight weeks, three sessions per week. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25 (p ≤ 0.05). Paired t-tests and one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to compare within-group and between-group changes, respectively.

Results: ANCOVA results showed that the mean forward head angle in the control group was 59.49±1.56 at pre-test and 57.67±2.35 at post-test, while in the physioball corrective-exercise group it was 62.16±3.38 at pre-test and 52.22±2.89 at post-test (P=0.001). The mean thoracic kyphosis angle in the control group was 59.49±1.44 at pre-test and 57.67±2.22 at post-test, whereas in the physioball corrective-exercise group it was 62.16±3.65 at pre-test and 52.22±2.45 at post-test (P=0.001).

Conclusion: Based on the findings, a combined corrective exercise program using a physioball significantly improves forward head posture (P=0.001) and thoracic kyphosis (P=0.001). Given that this exercise protocol can be performed at home, individuals are recommended to incorporate it alongside other exercise programs.