Original Research Article
Year: 2023 | Month: July-September | Volume: 8 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 381-393
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20230352
Effectiveness of Blackburn Exercise with Thoracic Extension Exercises Versus Thoracic Extension Exercise on Postural Hyper Kyphosis and Scapula Position in Young Asymptomatic Individuals - A Comparative Study
Dr. Arslaan Budgujar1, Dr. Sucheta Golhar2, Dr. Kiran Jeswani3
1(M.P.T) Department of Musculoskeletal Science, 2Principal and Professor, Department of Musculoskeletal
Science, 3(M.P.T), Associate Professor, Department of Musculoskeletal Science,
P.E.S Modern College of Physiotherapy, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences Nashik, Pune, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Arslaan Budgujar (M.P.T)
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The spine is composed of two types of curvature: kyphosis and lordosis. Postural hyper kyphosis is the most common posture abnormality and can happen at any age. Causes are idiopathic, sedentary lifestyle, impairments, and aging. Abnormal posture has a detrimental effect on articular and muscular structures as it leads to muscular weakness and degenerative changes. It affects the muscular tension around the neck and shoulder; as it shifts the neck forward (muscle tightness) and the shoulder moves more internally, leading the upper back scapular muscle lengthening. This study uses a flexi-curve ruler to measure postural hyper kyphosis and lateral scapula slide test(LSST) to measure scapula distance. The Blackburn protocol is often used for shoulder and scapular impairments; in this study, the protocol is used to manage postural hyper kyphosis as it targets the same muscle groups that are in an altered state.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of Blackburn exercise along with thoracic extension exercise versus thoracic extension exercise on postural hyper kyphosis and scapula position in young asymptomatic individuals.
METHODS: A comparative study included 70 samples, age between 18 and 28, divided into 2 groups. The degree of kyphosis was measured using a flexi curve ruler (fcr), and scapula distance was measured using a lateral scapula slide test (lsst) at three positions. Intervention was given for six weeks.
RESULTS: After 6 weeks of data analysis, Group A's p-value for kyphosis angle is 0.5 and lateral scapula slide test at 0 degree is 0.735, at 45 degree is 0.1992, and at 90 degree is 0.536, showing significant improvement over another group.
Conclusion: Blackburn exercises, along with thoracic extension exercises, were found to be effective in reducing the angle of kyphosis in the young population.
Keywords: Hyper kyphosis, Flexi curve Ruler, LSST, Blackburn protocol.