Effect of Exercise Using an Automatic Spine Extension Device on Thoracic Kyphotic and Extension Angles

Abstract

Background: A spinal extension and intensive rehabilitation program reduced the symptoms and pain of kyphosis, and improved function.Objects: This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of a spine extension device on the de-gree of thoracic kyphosis and extension angles, confirm reduction of the kyphosis angle and an increase in flexibility.Methods: Thirteen adults were enrolled in the experiment, using the spine extension device, which was set to passively extend the spine. The angle between the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra and the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra was measured by dual inclinometer before and after using the spine extension device.Results: In the static posture, the thoracic kyphosis decreased after using the spine extension device in the thoracic extension posture, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05); thoracic extension angle increased with statistical significance (p < 0.05).Conclusion: In this study, the thoracic kyphosis angle and thoracic extension angle of the subjects before and after using spine extension device was compared and analyzed, which proved that the spine extension device can effectively improve the mobility of spinal extension.

Keywords

• alignment
• kyphosis
• posture