Purpose: The present study aimed to compare the effect of wobble board and TRX training on static and dynamic balance in athletes with functional ankle instability. Methods: A total of 35 athletes with functional ankle instability were randomly divided into three groups: wobble board training, TRX training, and control. The anthropometric variables and the static and dynamic balance indices of subjects were evaluated using the Biodex balance assessment tool in three stages: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up (6 weeks after post-test). Subsequently, the training groups performed their relevant exercises for 6 weeks. The repeated-measures analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc test were used for the statistical analyses. The significance level was considered <0.05. Results: The repeated-measures ANOVA results showed that the static and dynamic balance indices of the subjects in the training groups significantly improved from the pre-test to the post-test (P≤0.05). Additionally, the results indicated that 6 weeks after the post-test stage, the positive effects of wobble board and TRX training did not diminish in either training group (P≤0.05). However, the balance indices evaluated in the control group did not show any significant difference at any of the measurement points (P≥0.05). Conclusion: Athletes with functional ankle instability often struggle with deficiencies in both static and dynamic balance, which increases their vulnerability to re-injury during dynamic movements. Our findings suggest that incorporating functional-based approaches, such as wobble-board and TRX exercises, can serve as effective strategies for enhancing balance in athletes with functional ankle instability.

OBJECTIVES:Objective Altered movement patterns and lower extremity misalignment are key features in low back pain developers (LBPDs), leading to significant changes in functional movements such as squats. These changes may result in clinical low back pain (LBP) based on the kinesiopathology model. Core muscles are crucial for creating a stable platform for limb movement, but LBPDs typically have weak and poorly activated deep muscles, contributing to inefficient movement patterns. This study aims to assess the effect of a lumbopelvic stability program on lower extremity kinematics in LBPDs during single-leg squats (SLS). DESIGN:Pre-post study. SETTING:University dormitory gym. PARTICIPANTS:Thirty female participants identified as LBPDs, divided into two groups of experimental (n = 15) and control (n = 15). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Kinematic variables, including hip and knee flexion and abduction, and ankle dorsiflexion and abduction (eversion), were measured during SLS using two-dimensional video analysis before and after the intervention. RESULTS:Significant differences were found in hip flexion (F = 13.36, p = 0.001), hip abduction (F = 73.42, p = 0.001), knee flexion (F = 23.65, p = 0.001), and knee abduction (F = 13.37, p = 0.001) post-intervention. CONCLUSION:A 6-week lumbopelvic stability program improved hip and knee kinematics in LBPDs, highlighting the importance of core stability in optimizing movement and potentially preventing future LBP.

Introduction: This systematic review and meta-analysis study aims to investigate the effect of warming up on knee position sense. Methods: The keywords of this systematic review and meta-analysis study were searched on December 1 by two authors in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The Downs and Black checklist checked the quality of articles. Statistical analysis was performed using CMA software. The I-square statistic was used to examine the data heterogeneity and estimate the percentage of heterogeneity. Besides, the Funnel Plot method was used for assessing the risk of bias in articles, and the trim-and-fill method was used in case of observation of possible bias. Results: Out of 5,133 studies found in selected databases, 31 were selected after reviewing the title and abstract, and seven articles were included in the study after reviewing the full text. The results indicated that warming up has a significant effect on reducing the active absolute angular error (P<0.05) and increasing the active relative angular error (P<0.05) but has no significant effect on the passive absolute angular error (P>0.05). Discussion: Warming can reduce absolute and relative angular error. Therefore, it has a significant effect on improving proprioception.

Background and Aims Hyperlordosis is one of the deformities in the lumbar spine, which causes changes in the forward center of gravity and increases the movement of the pelvis. It also changes the stability of the trunk, lumbo-pelvic-hip core complex, and lower limbs. This study aims to compare the changes in the center of pressure (COP) and the time to stabilization (TTS) in male football players with and without hyperlordosis during a single-leg jump-landing task. Methods This is a causal-comparative study with a cross-sectional design, conducted on 28 male football players (14 with hyperlordosis and 14 without hyperlordosis), with a mean age of 24±2.42 years, a mean height of 178±6.06 cm and a mean weight of 72±4.93 kg. First, the Sargent jump test was taken to determine their maximum vertical jump. Then, they were asked to jump with two legs and a half maximum vertical jumping height and land on the force plate with the dominant leg. The independent t-test analysis was used to analyze the data in SPSS software, version 23. Results A significant difference in the COP fluctuations in the mediolateral (ML) direction (P=0.015), the maximum and minimum COP displacements in the ML direction (P=0.021, P=0.001), the TTS in the ML direction, and the total TTS (P=0.001), was observed between two groups, but no significant difference was found in the amount of COP variability in the anterior-posterior (AP) and ML directions, the amount of COP fluctuations in the AP direction, the minimum and maximum COP displacements in the AP direction, and the TTS in the AP and vertical directions (P>0.05). Conclusion It seems that changes in the sagittal plane in the area of the lumbar spine and pelvis cause instability and loss of balance in the frontal plane in the lower limbs. Therefore, football players with hyperlordosis should pay more attention to the changes in the proximal region to prevent instability and injury in the lower limb.

Idiopathic scoliosis is a postural deformity of the spine that not only changes the shape of the spine but may also alter postural control and muscle strength. Although this deformity is more common in some sports, it is not known whether the scoliosis athlete's balance and strength are altered. Balance and strength are essential to perform complex technical movements and prevent injuries. This cross-sectional study compared postural control and isokinetic strength of shoulder rotator muscles in squash players with and without idiopathic scoliosis and the control group. We report a higher mediolateral stability index in the frontal plane in scoliosis athletes and this may be associated with increased variability in postural control in the frontal plane. Additionally, the peak torque of the shoulder rotators was not different between the groups. While the relationship between function and posture is complex, these results provide information for preventive health care interventions in scoliosis athletes.

Introduction An injury can significantly harm both individual and team performance. One of the most important risk factors for sports-related injuries, especially non-collision injuries, is fatigue. It seems that poor proprioception may play an essential role to impose athletes to further injuries. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effectiveness of fatigue on the repositioning sense of the lower extremity joints. Method The electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception to 11January 2024. The obtained records were exported to the EndNote Software version 8. Then, two investigators examined the records independently to find eligible studies based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. In the case of disagreements, a consequence method was utilized. The quality of the eligible studies was evaluated using the Downs and Black checklist. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software ver. 3 software was used for statistical analysis. Q-test and I 2 were employed to examine the data homogeneity. In addition, considering the risk of bias, the Funnel Plot and trim-and-fill method were used. Results After reviewing the titles and abstracts of 3883 studies found in the selected databases, 43 articles were found to be eligible to include in meta-analyses. The results showed that fatigue led to a significant increase in the active absolute error of the knee (SDM = 0.524, 95% CI = 0.406–0.841), ankle in the horizontal plane (SDM = 0.541, 95% CI = 0.367–0.715), ankle in the sagittal plane (SDM = 0.443, 95% CI = 0.088–0.798), and hip (SDM = 0.988, 95% CI = 0.135–1.841). However, fatigue had no significant effects on the passive absolute error of the knee and ankle in horizontal plane and relative angular error of the knee. Conclusion Fatigue can diminish the active joint position sense of the lower extremities and thus may increase the risk of injury by reducing proprioception. Therefore, future research could be conducted to investigate the potential impact of integrated fatigue-mitigating exercises into athletes’ training programs, with the aim of reducing the incidence of sports-related injuries.

Objective This study aimed to determine the optimal exercise for improving Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) using electromyographic (EMG) activity of upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius (LT), and serratus anterior (SA) during ten exercises. Method A cross-sectional study involved 30 male students (mean age: 25.3 ± 2.5 years; height: 176.8 ± 7.2 cm; weight: 77.7 ± 2.5 kg; BMI: 23.8 ± 0.72 kg/m2) with UCS. Participants were selected based on postural assessments (forward head posture ≥44°, rounded shoulder ≥49°, thoracic kyphosis ≥42°). EMG was used to measure activation levels of UT, MT, LT, and SA, and the UT activation ratio relative to MT, LT, and SA during ten exercises. One-way ANOVA was applied for data analysis. Results Side-lying external rotation, standing diagonal flexion with Thera-band, and lying prone “V” demonstrated the least UT activity, with the highest MT and LT activation. The standing diagonal flexion with Thera-band elicited the highest SA activity. UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA ratios were less than one in multiple exercises. Significant differences in muscle activation levels and ratios were observed across all exercises (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion The findings suggest significant clinical implications for UCS rehabilitation. The identified exercises effectively engage MT and LT while minimizing UT activation, addressing muscular imbalances. Favorable UT/MT, UT/LT, and UT/SA ratios further support these exercises in correcting UCS. These exercises may help counteract the underlying muscular imbalance in UCS by promoting a more balanced activity ratio among the shoulder girdle muscles, potentially improving posture and reducing UCS symptoms.

Although the connection between muscular strength and flatfoot condition is well-established, the impact of corrective exercises on these muscles remains inadequately explored. This study aimed to assess the impact of intrinsic- versus extrinsic-first corrective exercise programs on muscle morphometry and navicular drop in boys with flexible flatfoot. Twenty-five boys aged 10-12 with flexible flatfoot participated, undergoing a 12-week corrective exercise program, with a shift in focus at six weeks. Ultrasound imaging measured muscle thickness and cross-sectional area (CSA), and the navicular drop test assessed flatfoot severity. The results demonstrated a significant interaction between exercise type and sequencing on muscle morphometry. Initiating with intrinsic exercises led to sustained improvement, even after transitioning to extrinsic exercises, while extrinsic-first exercises caused deterioration in intrinsic muscle morphometry, which was recovered after transitioning to intrinsic exercises. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in muscle thickness and CSA over time, particularly when initiating intrinsic exercises first. The intrinsic-first group also exhibited a more pronounced reduction in navicular drop. In conclusion, initiating corrective exercises with intrinsic muscles proved more effective in improving foot muscle morphometry and reducing navicular drop in boys with flatfoot. Therefore, commencing correction with intrinsic muscle exercises is recommended before progressing to extrinsic muscle exercises.

Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is a multi-planar faulty movement pattern that can cause faulty postural control. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the differences in postural sway (PS) between individuals aged 18–30 years old diagnosed with and without DKV. In this cross-sectional study, 62 students (39 males and 23 females) with and without DKV (age: 24.58 ± 2.63 years) were selected and assigned to two groups by conducting the single-leg squat test in the screening stage. The Biodex balance system was then employed to compare the two groups in PS. Mann–Whitney U test was conducted to compare the groups in PS (p ≤ 0.05). The study’s findings indicate that individuals with DKV did not exhibit any significant differences, compared to those without, about the anterior-posterior stability index (with p values for both static and dynamic situations at 0.309 and 0.198, respectively), medial-lateral stability index (with p values for both static and dynamic situations at 0.883 and 0.500, respectively), and overall stability index (with p values for both static and dynamic situations at 0.277 and 0.086, respectively). Though several possible factors could contribute to the lack of significant differences in postural sway between individuals with and without DKV, such as measurement tool differences, variable sensitivity in postural stability tests, and differences in movement variability and test stance, we recommend analyzing postural sway in more functional tasks and with different methodological patterns in future studies. Such research could help develop targeted interventions for individuals with DKV and offer a better understanding of the relationship between postural control and DKV.

Pain developers (PDs) are considered a pre-clinical low back pain (LBP) population at risk of clinical LBP development and thus exacting great social and economic costs. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively investigate their distinctive characteristics and the risk factors of standing-induced LBP based on which appropriate preventive measures can be planned. Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases as well as Google Scholar and ProQuest were systematically searched from inception through 14 July 2022 using a combination of terms relevant to ‘standing’ and ‘LBP’. Studies with low risk of bias in English and Persian using a methodological quality scoring system were deemed eligible for inclusion if they were laboratory studies using prolonged standing duration greater than 42 min to classify adult PDs and non-pain developers (NPDs) without a history of LBP. PDs were compared with NPDs in demographics, biomechanical, and psychological outcomes. Weighted or standardized mean differences, and Hedge’s g were generated to determine the pooled effect sizes using STATA software version 17. 52 papers and theses involving 1070 participants (528 PDs and 542 NPDs) were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review 33 of which were used in meta-analyses. Significant differences between PDs and NPDs in terms of movement patterns, muscular, postural, psychological, structural, and anthropometric variables were evidenced. The following factors were found to have a statistically significant association with standing-induced LBP: lumbar fidgets (Hedge’s g − 0.72, 95% CI − 1.35 to − 0.08, P = 0.03), lumbar lordosis in participants over 25 years (Hedge’s g 2.75, 95% CI 1.89–3.61, P < 0.001), AHAbd test (WMD 0.7, 95% CI 0.36–1.05, P < 0.001), GMed co-activation (Hedge’s g 4.24, 95% CI 3.18–5.3, P < 0.001), and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (WMD 2.85, 95% CI 0.51–5.19, P = 0.02). Altered motor control displayed in AHAbd test and higher lumbar lordosis in individuals over 25 years seem to be probable risk factors for standing-induced LBP. In order to detect standing-induced LBP risk factors, future researchers should investigate the association of the reported distinctive characteristics to the standing-induced LBP and that whether they are manipulable through various interventions.

Objective: the aim of the current study was to compare the lower limb muscle activation pattern in soccer players with and without lumbar hyperlordosis during single-leg squat performance.Methods: thirty male collegiate soccer players (15 with and 15 without lumbar hyperlordosis) performed the SLS task. Surface EMG was used to record the activation of eleven lower limb muscles. The activation of these muscles reduces to 100 points during the SLS cycle, where 50% demonstrates the maximum knee flexion, and 0% and 99% demonstrate the maximum knee extension.Results: soccer players with lumbar hyperlordosis had higher muscle activation than those with normal lumbar lordosis in gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and medial gastrocnemius. By contrast, they had lower gluteus medius, vastus medialis oblique, rectus femoris, soleus, and medial gastrocnemius (only in the final ascent phase of the SLS) muscle activity than the normal group during the SLS.Conclusion: this alteration may negatively affect targeted muscle performance during the SLS. Subsequent study is required to specify whether such an alteration in the lower limb muscle could be accompanied by injury in soccer players and change in their athletic performance.

Background and Aims Postural sway is evaluated based on changes in the body's center of pressure and is directly related to postural control and balance. Several factors are involved in the proper control of postural sways and, as a result, proper maintenance of balance, the most important of which is core stability. Weakness of core muscles causes an interruption in the transfer of energy from the trunk and limbs to each other, and this leads to decreased sports performance and increased risk of injury. Hyperlordosis is one of the disorders that can affect the endurance of core muscles. In some sports, such as taekwondo, this is of great importance. The present study aims to assess whether there is any difference in postural sway and core muscle endurance between taekwondo female athletes with or without hyperlordosis in Iran. Methods The study population consists of all professional Iranian female taekwondo athletes, of whom 60 were purposefully selected and divided into two groups of 30: With hyperlordosis (Mean age: 22.17±2.35 years, mean height: 166±3.95 cm, mean weight: 55.37±5.53 kg) and without hyperlordosis (Mean age: 20.63±2.38 years, mean height: 165±4.23 cm, mean weight: 53.7±4.91 kg). Postural sway was measured by the foot pressure distribution on a single leg. The core muscle endurance was measured by the McGill test. Independent t-test was used for examining the difference in the results. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results Independent t-test results showed a significant difference between the two groups only in endurance of abdominal flexor muscles (P=0.013). No significant difference in endurance of other core muscles (P>0.05), postural sway based on two factors of path length (P=0.30) and movement area (P=0.16) were observed between the two groups. Conclusion The endurance of the abdominal flexor muscles in taekwondo female athletes with hyperlordosis is poor. Considering the possibility of further changes in the core muscles which can affect other areas of the body, longitudinal and follow-up studies are recommended on this group of athletes.

Purpose: Non-specific chronic low back pain (LBP) is the most common type of chronic LBP and a common debilitating condition, especially in athletes, that can also affect performance. The core muscles are necessary to create a stable level of support for sports performance and appropriate movements of all organs, and its deficiency is related to complications, such as LBP. This research aims to investigate the effect of a fatigue protocol on core muscle endurance in athletes with and without non-specific chronic LBP. Methods: A controlled laboratory study was conducted; 42 female athletes with and without non-specific chronic LBP were selected through convenience sampling method and divided into two groups with non-specific chronic LBP and without non-specific chronic LBP. McGill’s core endurance test was used to measure core muscle endurance. The measurements were done before and after the implementation of the functional core fatigue protocol (FCFP). SPSS software, version 22 and dependent t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to evaluate mean differences obtained in the two groups. The significance level was considered 95%, and the α level was ≤0.05. Results: The analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed a significant difference between the two groups with and without non-specific chronic LBP after performing the functional core fatigue protocol (FCFP) in McGill’s test scores in isometric flexion exercise (P=0.001), isometric extensor exercise (P=0.001), right side bridge (P=0.001) and left side bridge (P=0.001). In the post-test measurement, the endurance of the core muscles decreased in the LBP group. Conclusion: The findings revealed that fatigue can affect the core stability and reduce the core muscles endurance of female athletes with non-specific chronic LBP. Therefore, core muscle weakness can be recognized as a risk factor for chronic LBP, and in order to prevent this damage, it is recommended to strengthen this area in rehabilitation programs.

Background and Aims Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the spinal deformities with unknown causes that contributes to 80-85% of scoliosis cases. This study aims to evaluate the effect of an integrative corrective exercise program on the severity of scoliosis in girls with AIS. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study with a pretest/posttest/follow-up design. Thirty-two girls (Mean age: 13.97±2.25 years; mean height: 153.97±7.978 cm, mean weight: 52.03±6.23 kg) with AIS (C-shaped thoracic deviation in the frontal plane) participated in the study. They were randomly divided into the exercise and control groups. The Cobb angle was measured by the radiography method. All measurements were performed before, immediately after, and 12 weeks after the exercise. Multivariate analysis of variance was used to examine within-group differences, and analysis of covariance was used for between-group differences. Results The mean Cobb angle at the pre-test, post-test, and follow-up phases were 15.8, 16.60, and 16.85 degrees in the control group and 16.04, 11.26, and 11.01 degrees in the exercise group, respectively, indicating a significant improvement in the Cobb angle in the exercise group compared to the control group over time (P<0.05); this improvement maintained for 12 weeks. Conclusion The integrated corrective exercise program, by using selected exercises, can reduce the degree of Cobb angle in females with AIS. The use of this program is recommended for adolescents.

Core muscle endurance is essential for proper movement and lower extremity injury prevention. In addition, the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score is a tool to assess body movement patterns to predict the risk of injury. Although various researches have investigated the relationship between the core muscle endurance and the FMS score, no study has ever assessed the effect of postural deformity on the FMS score. This study investigates the relationship between core muscle endurance and FMS scores in females with lumbar hyperlordosis. 42 healthy females aged 24.03 ± 4.4 years with hyperlordosis ( > = 45/66 degrees) participated in this study. Core muscle endurance was assessed by the McGill stability test. Correlations were evaluated between the FMS score, McGill test, and lordosis angle using spearman correlation coefficients (p ≤ 0.05). Most individual FMS scores were not correlated with the McGill test except stability trunk push up. Also, lordosis angle was not correlated with the FMS composite score (r=-0.077; p = 0.631), while it was negatively correlated with the McGill test (r=-0.650; p = 0.000). The lack of correlation between the FMS score and the McGill test implies that one’s level of core endurance may not influence their functional movement patterns. In contrast, the lumbar lordosis angle might impact one’s core muscle endurance but not their functional movement patterns.

Background: Exercise therapy is one of the most effective methods for dealing with low back pain. The present study aimed to compare to examine the effects of two protocols, i.e., six weeks of lumbar stability exercises (LSE) and global postural reeducation exercises (GPR), followed by a subsequent period of non-training on hip muscle flexibility in men with chronic non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) with lumbar movement control impairment (MCI). Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 46 men suffering from NSLBP with lumbar MCI were selected and randomly divided into three groups (i.e., two exercise groups - one control group). Training intervention groups were allowed to perform exercises for 6 weeks, three sessions per week. Universal goniometer was used to measure the flexibility of hip muscles (i.e., hamstring, rectus femoris, external rotator, and tensor fasciae latae). Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to compare the effect and durability of the two training protocols on the dependent variables at a significant level. Results: The results showed that both training methods increased hamstring muscle flexibility (P=0.001). GPR method was found superior in increasing the flexibility of the right hip of the subjects in the post-test (P=0.032) and follow-up (P=0.024). However, no significant differences were observed in the other hip muscles flexibility. Conclusion: It was concluded that the GPR method, compared to the lumbar stabilization method, had a greater potential to increase the flexibility of shortened muscles by enhancing the contraction of the antagonist muscles to avoid postural asymmetry. It seems both training protocols were effective in improving hamstring muscle flexibility in people with NSLBP suffering from MCI and this result was observed after both training and 4 weeks of inactivity.

Background Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is a prevalent movement impairment widely regarded as a risk factor for lower extremity disorders such as patellofemoral pain syndrome. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the comprehensive corrective exercise program (CCEP) on kinematics and strength of lower extremities in males with DKV. Methods Thirty asymptomatic young men with DKV between the ages of 18 and 28 years participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to the intervention ( n = 15) and control groups ( n = 15). The intervention group performed the CCEP for three sessions per week for eight weeks, while the control group only did activities of daily living. Hip external rotator and abductor muscle strength and three-dimensional lower extremity kinematics consisting of knee varus/valgus, femur adduction/abduction, femur medial/lateral rotation, and tibial medial/lateral rotation were measured at the baseline and post-test. The data were analyzed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results There were significant improvements in all kinematics variables in the intervention group after the 8-week CCEP. Moreover, the strength of abductor and external rotator muscle improved in the intervention group ( P < 0.05). Conclusions The CCEP led to substantial improvements in the selected variables of lower extremity kinematics and muscle strength in participants with DKV during a single-leg squat. These results imply that practitioners should adopt a comprehensive approach to pay simultaneous attention to both proximal and distal segments for improving DKV. Trial registration The protocol has been approved in the Registry of Clinical Trials (Registration N: IRCT20180821040843N1 ) on 2018-12-30.

Purpose:Thoracic hyperkyphosis is one of the common anomalies in children in recent years. In addition to corrective exercise, corrective games are one of the correctional methods which have been used to prevent and correct functional anomalies among children. Unlike corrective exercise, in corrective games method, correctional goals apply with prevention and correction purpose in the game shape and format The present study aimed to compare the effect and sustainability of a course corrective games with selected corrective exercise on 10-12 aged boys with thoracic hyperkyphosis.Methods:Ninety boys with age average (11.20±0.80 years), height average (140.78±5.91 cm), and weight average (39.69±4.75 kg) were randomly divided into corrective games, selected corrective exercise and control group. Subject in experimental groups performed their related corrective games and corrective exercises for 8 weeks and 3 sessions every week. Each session lasted for 30-60 minutes. During this time the control group did their normal daily activity. The kyphosis angle required to enter to the study was considered greater than 40 degrees. This angle was measured by a flexible ruler. Data were recorded at the beginning of the study as a pre-test, at the end of the 8 weeks’ exercises as a post-test and 8 weeks after the completion of the study as a second post-test level.Results:The finding of the repeated measure ANOVA test indicated a significant difference in kyphosis angle at the pre-test level (45.62±2.40) versus the post-test level (42.46±2.24), and in follow-up level (42.42±2.09) in the corrective games group, and the pre-test level (45.81±2.59) versus the post-test level (42.26±2.36) and in the follow-up level (42.52±2.27) in the selected corrective exercise group (P≤0.05). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the kyphosis angel in the control group, at the pre-test level (44.93±1.59) versus the post-test level (45.26±1.79) and in the follow-up level (45.26±1.84) (P>0.05). The obtained effect size was 0.85 in the corrective games group, 0.81 in the selected corrective exercise group, and 0.08 in the control group, which shows the high effectiveness of present study protocols in experimental groups. Also, the results of the ANCOVA test indicated a significant difference in thoracic kyphosis angle between 3 groups in the study at the post-test and the follow-up levels (P≤0.05). Therefore, in order to clarify this difference, the Bonferroni post-hoc test was used. The finding of this test indicated a non-significant difference in thoracic kyphosis angle between corrective games and selected corrective exercise groups in the post-test and follow-up levels (P>0.05). The observed difference was related to the corrective games and selected corrective exercise kyphosis angle difference with control groups at mentioned levels (P≤0.05).Conclusion:The corrective games and the selected corrective exercise have a positive and similar effect with exercise effects sustainability on thoracic kyphosis reduction. Therefore, performing 8 weeks’ corrective games besides selected corrective exercise has a considerable and sustainable effect on thoracic hyperkyphosis angle in 10-12 aged boys and using corrective games as an autonomous method recommended to thoracic hyperkyphosis correction in 10-12 years old boys.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in child, adolescent and adult athletes of all sports activity levels.DesignSystematic review with meta-analysis.Data sourcesElectronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Sage journals, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Springer) were systematically searched up from inception to 28 September 2021.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesObservational investigations were included to evaluate the prevalence of IS in athletes (engaged in any type of individual and team sports). Congenital scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, Scheuermann’s kyphosis and de novo scoliosis were not included. The risk of bias was assessed using the tool developed by Hoy et al.ResultsTwenty-two studies were included (N=57 470, range 15–46544, participants), thirteen studies were of high-quality. The estimated prevalence of IS in athletes was 27% (95% CI 20% to 35%, I2=98%), with a 95% prediction interval (1% to 69%). The prevalence of IS was significantly higher in female athletes (35%, 95% CI 27% to 34%, I2=98%). Ballet dancers showed a high IS prevalence (35%, 95% CI 24% to 47%, I2=98%). Recreational athletes showed a higher IS prevalence (33%, 95% CI 24% to 43%, I2=98%) than at competitive-level athletes (0.05%, 95% CI 0.03% to 0.08%, I2=98%), followed by elite (20%, 95% CI 13% to 27%, I2=98%).ConclusionsThe prevalence of IS in athletes was similar or higher to that as seen in other studies of the general population. IS prevalence may have a U-shaped relationship relative to level of competition. Further studies are required to determine which sports have the highest IS prevalence.

Poor joint proprioception and balance maintenance may lead to sports injuries. Numerous studies have indicated that self-myofascial release (SMR) can improve the function of the proprioception and balance systems. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of acute bouts of SMR on the center of pressure displacements during four stance positions, knee joint position sense at 45° and 90° in open kinetic chain tasks, and dynamic balance during the Y-balance test. Forty-two recreationally active females aged 20–25 years were assigned to either the foam roll group performing 1 min × 3 sets of SMR in the posttest session (N = 22) or the control group (N = 20). Joint position sense at 90° (p = .021), dynamic balance in the anterior (p = .007) and posterolateral (p < .001) directions, as well as the composite score (p = .001), improved significantly in the foam roll group. According to the findings, SMR may improve knee joint position sense at 90° and dynamic balance without any significant impacts on postural sway.