Normal Range of Thoracic Kyphosis in Male School Children

Abstract

Background. Although there are frequent studies about normal range of thoracic kyphosis, there is still a controversy about the exact values of this curve. In nine reported studies on 10 to 20 years of age boys, the value ranged from 25.1° to 53.3°. Objective for the Study. The aim of the present research was investigation of normal ranges of thoracic kyphosis in school children in Kermanshah, western Iran. Methods. 582 male students aged 13 to 18 years old using cluster random sampling were recruited from schools in Kermanshah city, 97 students for each age. Thoracic curves were measured using the flexicurve method. Results. Mean thoracic kyphosis for whole population was 35.49° SD 7.83 and plus or minus two standard deviations ranged from 19.83° to 51.15°. It increased gradually from 13 to 16 and then there was a little decrease to 18 years. Mean values for each age (13–16) were 13 (34.41 SD 7.47°), 14 (34.86 SD 8.29°), 15 (35.79 SD 7.93°), 16 (36.49 SD 7.85°), 17 (35.84 SD 8.33°), and 18 (35.55 SD 7.07°). Conclusions. Our results are in agreement with previous reports and can be used as normal values for local and regional purposes.

Assessing Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Curvature Norm: A Systematic Review

“…Shamsi et al measured 582 male students in terms of the normal kyphosis range and reported a mean kyphosis value in these 13-18-year-olds. The researchers also stated that this curvature increased from the age of 13-16 years and slightly decreased from the age of 16-18 years [15].…”

“…Hyper-kyphosis, or an increase in the chest curvature more than the normal range, is among the prevalent spinal disorders. Biomechanical data suggested that increased thoracic kyphosis may be associated with a higher load on the spine and trunk force in an upright position; this may speed up the degradation process of muscles and increase the pain and spinal dysfunction [14,15]. Increased thoracic kyphosis is also associated with reduced physical function, respiratory function impairment, increased neck pain, headache, and discomforts, like subacromial pain syndrome [16,17].…”

Data of range of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis between line and staff personnel of armed forces in Kermanshah, Iran

“…The sampling rate for each garrison was in proportion to its population. Using a flexible ruler, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis for all subjects were measured as it is explained in our previous paper [3] .…”

Spinal curvatures of yoga practitioners compared to control participants—a cross-sectional study

“…Hyperkyphosis is one of the most prevalent spinal disorders, and an increase in thoracic kyphosis can be associated with higher spinal loads and trunk muscle force in the upright position. Hyperkyphosis has been linked to the impairment of the respiratory function, decrease in physical function, cervical pain, subacromial pain syndrome, and headaches ( Shamsi et al, 2014 ). Hyperkyphosis has also been associated with low values of hamstring flexibility and a lack of abdominal and paravertebral strengthening ( Czaprowski et al, 2018 ; Gonzalez-Galvez, Gea-Garcia & Marcos-Pardo, 2019 ).…”