Exercise for improving age-related hyperkyphosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis with GRADE assessment

Summary We reviewed exercise trials in men and women ≥ 45 years with hyperkyphosis at the baseline and performed meta-analyses for kyphosis and health-related outcomes. Purpose To determine the effects of exercise interventions on kyphosis angle, back extensor muscle strength or endurance, physical functioning, quality of life, pain, falls, and adverse events in adults 45 years or older with hyperkyphosis. Methods Multiple databases were searched to May 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCT, and pre-post intervention studies that had at least one group with a mean kyphosis angle of at least 40° at the baseline were included. Results Twenty-four studies were included. Exercise or physical therapy improved kyphosis outcomes (SMD − 0.31; 95% confidence intervals [CI] − 0.46, − 0.16; moderate certainty evidence), back extensor muscle strength (MD 10.51 N; 95% CI 6.65, 14.38; very low certainty evidence), and endurance (MD 9.76 s; 95% CI 6.40, 13.13; low certainty evidence). Meta-analyses showed improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (SMD 0.21; 95% CI 0.06, 0.37; moderate certainty of evidence), general pain (MD − 0.26; 95% CI − 0.39, − 0.13; low certainty of evidence), and performance on the timed up and go (TUG) test (MD − 0.28 s; 95% CI − 0.48, − 0.08; very low certainty of evidence). The effects on the rate of falls (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.15; 95% CI 0.64, 2.05; low certainty evidence) or minor adverse events (IRR 1.29; 95% CI 0.95, 1.74; low certainty evidence) are uncertain. No serious adverse events were reported in the included studies. Conclusions Interventions targeting hyperkyphosis may improve kyphosis outcomes in adults with hyperkyphosis.