4-Week Intervention in Improving Thoracic Kyphosis Using Gyrotronic Method

This study explores innovative physiotherapeutic and biomechanical approaches aimed at improving the thoracic kyphotic angle. Healthy thoracic curvature contributes to appropriate spinal alignment, shock absorption, load distribution, and efficient movement. Excessive or reduced thoracic kyphosis may contribute to back pain, muscular fatigue, restricted mobility, impaired balance, and postural dysfunction. The study included 30 patients aged 18–40 years who had experienced back pain for at least three months and were not receiving treatment for this condition during the study period. Patients whose symptoms were related to systemic diseases, as well as pregnancy, significant motor impairments, or mental disorders affecting participation, were excluded. Participants completed a Gyrotonic exercise program focused on thoracic mobility, trunk stability, core activation, and postural control. The intervention lasted four weeks and consisted of three sessions per week. Each session lasted 45–60 minutes and was supervised by a certified Gyrotonic instructor and physiotherapist. Thoracic kyphosis and spinal alignment were assessed before and after the intervention using the DIERS formetric 4D system, a non-invasive, radiation-free method of three-dimensional surface topography. Following the four-week Gyrotonic exercise program, all 30 participants moved closer to the prespecified ICT–ITL reference range of 42°–55°. The mean distance from this range decreased from 8.10° (SD = 2.89°) before the intervention to 1.33° (SD = 1.45°) afterward. The reduction was statistically significant (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, W = 0.00, p < .001), and 13 participants (43.3%) reached the reference range after treatment. Through controlled multidirectional movements, spinal elongation, coordinated breathing, and core activation, the method may promote more physiological spinal alignment and improve postural stability. These findings suggest that Gyrotonic exercise may be a valuable component of rehabilitation programs for postural deviations such as hyper kyphosis or hypokyphosis. Further studies involving larger samples, control groups, and longer follow-up periods are recommended to confirm the durability and clinical relevance of these outcomes.