Back to Search Start Over

Effect of the Cervicothoracic Fascia Stretch on Thoracic Mobility in Elderly Women.

Authors :
Youssef, Rana Alaa H.
El-Nahas, Nesreen Gharib
Elgazaar, Samir A. F.
EL Moatasem, Alaa Mohamed
Source :
Muscles, Ligaments & Tendons Journal (MLTJ). Apr-Jun2024, Vol. 14 Issue 2, p336-343. 8p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Background. Kyphosis is a prevalent condition in older women that can significantly impact their mobility. Various therapeutic approaches and modalities can be used to treat hyperkyphosis. Cervicothoracic fascia stretching reduces kyphotic angle, decreases cervical pain, and improves various dimensions of thoracic mobility. Purpose of the study. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the cervicothoracic fascia stretch on the thoracic mobility of older women. Subjects and methods. Sixty older women with non-specific neck discomfort, whose ages ranged from 60 to 70, were recruited from the outpatient clinics at Heliopolis University. The recruited patients were randomly divided into two groups of equal numbers of subjects: Group A included 30 patients who underwent cervicothoracic fascia stretching, and 30 patients were included in Group B who underwent diaphragmatic breathing exercises three times a week for four weeks. The neck pain was assessed utilizing the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD), while thoracic kyphosis was assessed utilizing a flexion curve ruler. Moreover, thoracic circumference excursion was measured using tape, while transverse and latero-lateral dimensions of the thorax were assessed using a chest depth caliper. Results. The comparison between pre- and post-study results showed a significant enhancement in all measured variables, including neck pain, thoracic circumference, chest width dimension, chest depth dimension, and kyphotic angle in both groups. Our findings indicated a statistically significant decrease in neck pain and kyphotic angle. Conversely, there was a statistically significant increase in thoracic circumference and chest width dimension for the cervicothoracic stretch group after treatment. Conclusions. Both interventions, such as intrathoracic fascia stretch and diaphragmatic breathing exercises exhibited extraordinary effectiveness in the management of reduced thoracic mobility and neck pain in older women with better results in favor of cervicothoracic stretch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22404554
Volume :
14
Issue :
2
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Muscles, Ligaments & Tendons Journal (MLTJ)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
178839688
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.32098/mltj.02.2024.14