Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Thoracic hyperkyphosis is characterised by an increase in the normal angle of the thoracic kyphosis. Several factors make adolescents and young adults a potential risk group for postural hyperkyphosis. Among the treatment options, therapeutic exercise allows patients to take an active role, providing a number of beneficial effects. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the scientific evidence on the efficacy of therapeutic exercise for hyperkyphosis in adolescents and young adults. METHODS: A search in six databases (PubMed, Medline, PEDro, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and ENFISPO) was performed during January and February 2023, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). RESULTS: Nine randomised clinical trials were analysed. Regarding methodological quality, four studies were of fair quality and five were of good quality. In all studies, a significant improvement in thoracic kyphosis angle was obtained. In addition, improvements were found in different aspects related to hyperkyphosis, such as lumbar lordosis angle, balance, quality of life and pain, among others. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic exercise appears to be effective in the management of hyperkyphosis in adolescents and young adults. However, many variables related to hyperkyphosis are not subject to primary evaluation and the quality of the evidence found is fair to good.