Correlation Between Sagittal Plane Curvature of the Upright Human Spine and Postural Stability in Adults

Purpose: Proper posture is essential for maintaining musculoskeletal health. The stability of the spine depends largely on the curvature of the human upright spine, and deviations in sagittal arches may signify a displacement in the body’s center of gravity. This study aims to investigate the relationship between spinal curvature and postural stability to promote optimal spinal health. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 120 recreationally active university students (60 men and 60 women) were selected and grouped by gender. Postural stability was assessed using the balance error scoring system (BESS), and the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was evaluated through photographic methods. Kyphosis and lordosis angles were also measured using specific anatomical landmarks. Correlation analyses were performed using Pearson’s and Spearman’s tests, with a statistical significance of P≤0.05, to explore the relationship between the variables. Results: The study’s results showed no significant correlations between thoracic kyphosis, lower back lordosis, and the CVA with BESS scores, except within the male group, where a significant correlation was found between BESS and kyphosis (P=0.01). Conclusion: This study suggests that evaluating thoracic kyphosis can be crucial to enhance postural stability in recreationally active adults. Further research can investigate interventions aimed at improving postural stability among individuals with kyphosis.