A Study to Correlate Postural Thoracic Kyphosis and Abdominal Muscle Strength and Endurance

Objective

To find the correlation between kyphotic index and abdominal muscle strength and endurance using manual muscle testing and pressure biofeedback methods, in kyphotic individuals and individuals with ideal posture.

Methodology

Study design: Non interventional analytical, Study location: Physiotherapy OPD of tertiary care hospital, Study duration: 1year,

Subjects sampled: Sample size - 60, Age group: 20 to 50 Yrs. Subjects were screened using plumb line assessment method in lateral view and divided into Group A: - 30 individuals with postural thoracic kyphosis, Group B: - 30 individuals with ideal plumb line alignment.

Assessment Parameters -

Posture: a) Plumb line assessment b) Kyphotic index using Flexi curve - Manual muscle testing: - Lacote's method (Grades 1 to 5) - Prone pressure biofeedback for strength and endurance - Posterior pelvic tilt using pressure cuff, for strength and endurance - Number of curl ups in one minute.

Results

Data was statistically analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results showed no statistically significant correlation between strength of abdominal muscles and kyphotic index (r = 0.05 to 0.27) and endurance of abdominal muscles and kyphotic index (r = 0.03 to 0.26) in either of the groups.

Conclusion

With increase in postural thoracic kyphosis, there is no significant difference in the strength and endurance of rectus abdominis, obliques internus and externus, transversus abdominis muscles.