Date of Award
Fall 12-19-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Kinesiology (PhD)
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
Purpose: Hyperkyphosis is an abnormal sagittal plane curvature of the spine. The kyphosis angle (KA) increases as age increases, leading to fractures, falls, and potential mortality. This study aims to determine if reducing the KA improves balance, stability, and quality of life in the elderly. Methods: Thirty-one participants, including males and females, aged 63.03±9.61, participated in this study. This study used the kyphosis index (KI), which is a measurement of the distance between the occiput and the wall. Elderly individuals with an occiput wall distance (OWD) of > 4cm participated in this study. The Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life questionnaire, Unipedal Balance test, Tinetti Assessment Tool, and OWD measurement were used to determine kyphosis. Participants underwent a strength training intervention targeting the posterior muscles (24 sessions, 90 minutes/day, two days/week). Participants were re-evaluated after 12 weeks using the same tests as at baseline. Paired t-tests assessed changes in all dependent variables, including KI, Tinetti Fall Risk, Eyes Open and Closed Balance test results, and self-reported quality of life. Results: Paired t-tests demonstrated that following the exercise intervention, the average kyphosis score significantly decreased (M = 8.82cm to M = 6.65cm, p < .001), with a large effect size (d = 0.89), supporting the primary aim of the study. Significant improvements were also observed in quality of life (M = 22.44 to M = 24.16, p < .001, d = 0.66), fall risk as measured by the Tinetti assessment (M = 26.71 to M = 27.26, p = .033, d = 0.40), and eyes-closed balance (M = 8.78 to M = 10.95, p = .045, d = 0.38). No significant change was found in eyes-open balance (p = .317).