Correlation between isometric strength in five muscle groups and inclination angles of spine

Lateral Epicondylalgia and Thoracic Kyphosis: A Study on Young Athletes

OBJECTIVE

The etiology of lateral epicondylalgia (LE) remains unclear, although it has been linked to various factors. Recent theories suggest a potential connection between LE and impairments in the kinetic chain. In our study, we aimed to investigate the association between another factor influencing kinetic chain impairment, specifically an increased angle of thoracic kyphosis, and the presence of initial signs of LE in young athletes.

DESIGN

This study employed an observational, case-control design.

SETTING

The participants underwent examination during a routine preventive checkup conducted by a sports physician at Novi Sad Healthcare Center, Sports Medicine Center.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred young athletes aged 10 to 15 years were included in the study. Half of the participants reported pain in the lateral aspect of the elbow during maximal hand grip, while the remaining athletes served as controls and did not experience any pain.

ASSESSMENT OF INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

Thoracic kyphosis inclination angles were measured using a digital inclinometer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain was assessed using the pressure pain threshold at a specific point associated with lateral epicondylalgia, measured by a digital algometer.

RESULTS

Participants exhibiting initial signs of LE displayed significantly different angles of anteroposterior curvatures of the spine compared with the control group. Moreover, the angle of thoracic kyphosis was significantly associated with pain in the lateral aspect of the elbow.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm an association between initial signs of lateral epicondylalgia and the grade of thoracic kyphosis in young athletes.

The evaluation of static and dynamic postural balance in children with thoracic hyperkyphosis

BACKGROUND

To investigate how postural balance is affected by thoracic hyperkyphosis compared to healthy children and elucidate the relationship between balance and strength and tightness.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis using standardized measures to identify balance function in children with thoracic hyperkyphosis (n = 31) and compare age-matched healthy children (n = 31). Primary outcome measurements were performed for the static and dynamic balance with the biodex balance system and limits of stability with the functional reach test. Secondary outcome measurements were strength with a hand-held dynamometry, tightness with the length test of pectoralis minor and hip flexors, and the sit-reach test for hamstrings. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the difference between the groups. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the possible correlations between balance and strength and tightness.

RESULTS

A significant difference was found between the groups for static balance with eyes closed (except double-leg stance anteroposterior stability index) and for the forward reach distance (p < 0.05). Strength and tightness were significantly different in children with thoracic hyperkyphosis than in healthy children (p < 0.05). Also, it was found that muscle strength of trunk extension and hip abduction and tightness of hip flexors and hamstring were factors associated with static balance with eyes closed (r > 0.10, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Static balance in children with thoracic hyperkyphosis is affected when visual input is particularly removed, and static balance with eyes closed is correlated with changed strength and tightness in some of the trunk and lower extremity muscles.

The comparison of two corrective exercise approaches for hyperkyphosis and forward head posture: A quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Hyperkyphosis (HKP) and forward head posture (FHP) occur due to prolonged poor postures and repetitive activities.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to compare the effects of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and Sahrmann corrective exercises on HKP and FHP correction.

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 30 subjects with HKP and FHP, who were randomly assigned to the NASM (n= 15) and Sahrmann groups (n= 15). The ImageJ software and a spinal mouse device were used to measure FHP and HKP deformities, and neck and shoulder muscle strength, range of motion (ROM), and pulmonary function were assessed as the secondary outcomes before and after the eight-week intervention.

RESULTS

FHP improved more significantly in the Sahrmann group compared to the NASM group (P< 0.05), while no significant difference was observed between the groups in HKP (P> 0.05). The improvement in the neck and shoulder muscle strength was more significant in the Sahrmann group compared to the NASM (P< 0.05), except for the neck flexors. In addition, the neck extension ROM enhanced more significantly in the Sahrmann group compared to the NASM group (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

According to the results, the Sahrmann corrective exercises that focused on the correction of imbalanced muscle stiffness had more significant effects on the correction of FHP, neck and shoulder muscle strength and neck extension ROM.