Background: Women with hyperkyphosis have impaired balance and increased body sway, which can increase their risk of falls. Impaired balance and poor postural stability are the main risk factors for falling. This study aimed to study the effect of corrective exercises on balance in elderly women with hyperkyphosis.
Methods and Materials: In this quasi experimental study, 30 adult women (age range, 60-75 years old) were selected using a purposive sampling and assigned randomly into the experimental and control groups. Participants in the experimental group took part in an 8-week (3 sessions a week) corrective exercise program. In this period, the control group did not receive any corrective exercise program. The flexicurve ruler and Berg balance scale were used in pre- and post-tests to measure kyphosis angle and balance, respectively. This study was conducted in Spring 2014 at Jahandideh Nursing Home in Arak city, Iran. The number of falls and fears of falling was also recorded. To analyze data, dependent t-test and covariate analysis at a significance level of P<0.05 were used.
Results: Twenty-six participants completed post-test measures. The Kyphosis angle changed from 50.58 to 48.84 degrees (P=0.002) and a significant improvement was observed in the Berg scale (P<0.0001). Moreover, fear of falling was decreased significantly. In the experimental group, the number of people at risk of falling was reduced from 7 to 2 cases.
Conclusion: A corrective exercise program can be effective in reducing the angle of kyphosis and improving balance in elderly and thus it can decrease risk of falling.