Objective: Hyperkyphosis (excess thoracic spine curvature) is associated with upper-extremity functional\r\nlimitations and altered scapular posturing. The purpose of this study was to quantify the changes in upper-extremity\r\nfunction and scapular posturing following a 6-month yogaintervention in persons with hyperkyphosis.\r\n\r\nMethods: Twenty-one older adults with hyperkyphosis (75.5+7.4 yrs) enrolled in the UCLA Yoga for Kyphosis\r\nrandomized controlled trial, elected to participate in this uncontrolled, prepost substudy of upper-extremity function.\r\nThey were measured at baseline and after a 24-week yoga intervention. Maximum vertical reach and timed book\r\ntests were used to evaluate upper-extremity function. Scapular posturing was quantified using a motion analysis\r\nsystem and data was obtained under 4 conditions: 1) quiet-standing, 2) normal walking, 3) fast walking, and 4)\r\nseated. Paired t-tests were used to test for changes between baseline and 6-month follow-up measures and Cohen�s\r\nd was calculated to examine effect sizes.\r\n\r\nResults: Following the 6-month yoga intervention, participants improved their book test performance by 26.4%\r\n(p < 0.001; d = 1.5). Scapular protraction decreased by 2.9% during the static-sitting condition (p < 0.001; d = 0.5)\r\nand the overall excursion of the scapulae decreased for both fast (25.0%, p < 0.05; d = 0.6) and self-selected walking\r\n(29.4%, p < 0.01; d = 0.9). There were no changes in maximum vertical reach.\r\n\r\nConclusion: Subjects demonstrated significant improvements with small to large effect sizes in the timed\r\nbook test and scapular posturing to a less protracted position during both static and dynamic conditions after the\r\nintervention. These adaptations are likely to reduce the risk of scapular impingement and help preserve functional\r\nindependence in older adults.
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