The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on the Thoracic Spine Curve, Inspiratory Volume and Cardio-Respiratory Endurance in Boys with Hyper-kyphosis

Background: Hyper-kyphosis is one of the most common malalignments in adolescent boys and can affect their breathing. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may improve the function of the respiratory muscles in adolescents and may influence their skeletal structure as well. So, this study aimed to examine the effects of inspiratory muscle training on the thoracic spine curve, inspiratory volume and cardio-respiratory endurance in hyperkyphotic boys Methods: This study was a semi experimentally in design, pre and post-test design with a control group. Twenty-two 12-15 boys, with thoracic spine curve more than 49 degrees were randomly divided into control and experimental groups. Both groups performed the same corrective exercise for hyper-kyphosis, the experimental group also performed inspiratory muscle training five days a week using the power breathing device, based on the training protocol. Both groups were evaluated before and after 12 weeks of training in terms of the thoracic spine curve, inspiratory volume, S-index, PIF, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Results: The data analysis showed that the thoracic spine curve decreased significantly in the IMT group (Pvalue=0.025). The IMT group showed significantly increase in inspiratory S-index (T=4.058, Pvalue=0.002), PIF (T=4.06, Pvalue=0.002) and cardio-respiratory endurance (T=2.62, Pvalue=0.050) at posttest in compare to control group. Conclusions: Based on the study findings, it can be concluded that respiratory muscle strengthening alone may not be by itself sufficient for the improvement of Hyper-kyphosis, and corrective exercises can also be recommended along with it.