Comparing the effect of functional corrective exercises versus core stability exercises and a combined program on forward head posture and kyphosis in female adolescence

Forward head posture (FHP) and kyphosis are the most common postural deviations which various factors are involved in the occurrence of these abnormalities. This study aimed to compare the effect of functional corrective exercises (FCE) and core stability exercises (CSE) on forward head posture and kyphosis in adolescent girls.

The present study is quasi-experiment research and included a pre- and post-test design. 52 students aged 14-16 years old with forward head posture >46 degrees and kyphosis >40 degrees were randomly assigned into four groups, each one consisting of 13 students. Research tools for kyphosis as well as forward head posture assessment included flexible ruler and goniometer, respectively. The experimental groups participated in training programs for 6 weeks, three times per week and for 60-minutes per session, while the control group continued their daily routine activities. The data analysis was carried out using covariance (ANCOVA) analysis via SPSS, version 21.

The outcomes showed that there were significant differences among groups, including core stability exercises (CSE) and combined exercises (FCE+CSE)  (p= 0.020), core stability exercises (CSE) and Control (p= 0.008), functional corrective exercises (FCE)and Control (p= 0.001), combined exercises (FCE+CSE) and Control (p= 0.001) with respect to kyphosis. For the Forward head posture (FHP)  variable, there were significant differences between pre- and post-tests of core stability exercises (CSE) and Control (p= 0.001), functional corrective exercises (FCE)and combined exercises (FCE+CSE)  (p= 0.019), functional corrective exercises (FCE)and Control (p= 0.001) as well as combined exercises (FCE+CSE) and Control (p= 0.001) groups. There was no significant difference between pre- and post-test measures of control group.

According to this study's results, although all types of training programs had a significant effect on postural correction, but a combined exercises (FCE+CSE) significantly improved forward head posture and kyphosis combined to each training program. Therefore, it is recommended that healthcare professionals and corrective exercise specialists to implement a combined program to have a better result in terms of kyphosis and forward head posture correction