Background: Treatment of pubescent postural hyperkyphosis commonly includes postural exercises and auto-elongation. Myofascial imbalances can be involved in functional, sagittal plane deviations of spinal curves. This pilot-study assesses the effects of one manual therapy approach that addresses fascial dysfunctions (Fascial Manipulation(®)) in pubescent subjects with postural hyperkyphosis.
Methods: 17 subjects (mean age 11.8 DS 0.8; 9 males, 8 females) were evaluated for familiarity; psychological aspects; sport; pain; anteposition of shoulders, head, and pelvis; distance C7 and L3 from plumb-line; distance fingers to floor on forward bend. Each subject received 2-4 weekly sessions of Fascial Manipulation(®). Parameters were evaluated before and after manual treatment, with a follow-up at 7 months.
Results: A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was present in all the parameters analysed before and after treatment and at a 7 month follow-up.
Conclusions: Results suggest that Fascial Manipulation(®) could represent an approach to integrate into treatment of postural hyperkyphosis in pubescent subjects.
Keywords: Fascia; Fascial Manipulation; Manual therapy; Postural hyperkyphosis.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.