Feasibility of a Physical Therapy Intervention on Older Adults With Hyperkyphosis or Forward Head Posture
Pneumonia, COPD, Hyperkyphosis
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Pneumonia focused on measuring forward head posture
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- at least 50 years of age
- hyperkyphosis, forward head posture, pneumonia, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- community dwelling
- self report of ability to walk 10 feet or greater with or without an assistive device
- ability to perform informed consent
- ability to transport to research facility
- ability to read and write in English or Spanish
Exclusion Criteria:
- Inability to perform informed consent
- Inability to follow directions
- Inability to perform transfers, sit, and stand independently
- Inability to ambulate 10 feet or more with or without an assistive device
- Inability to perform pulmonary function testing
- Inability to fully participate in testing and measures
- Inability to fully participate in the intervention
- Severe claustrophobia
- Unable to tolerate physical touch
- Morbid obesity (BMI greater than 40)
- History of prior lung disease such as cancer or transplant
- History of comorbidity that would affect lung function such as neuromuscular disease (ALS, MS), collagen disease (SLE), cardiovascular disease (CHF), or musculoskeletal disease with an autoimmune component (Ankylosing Spondylosis, RA).
- A prior discharge within 30 days of hospitalization for pneumonia or COPD
- Discharge against medical advice
Sites / Locations
- School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Experimental
Manual therapy and exercise
The intervention (3 times a week for 4 weeks, for a total of 12 sessions) consisted primarily of manual therapy (soft tissue and joint mobilization) followed by therapeutic exercises (muscular control and coordination). Manual therapy: Joint mobilizations (Grades I-V) to cervical spine, thoracic spine and ribs Soft tissue mobilization to the pectoralis, scaleni, upper traps, thoracolumbar fascia, erector spinae, and suboccipital musculature Therapeutic exercises: Strengthening of mid and lower traps, lats, glut med, and glut max. Active & passive stretching of thoracic and lumbar rotation, hip flexors, and plantarflexors. The treating therapists agreed on a protocol with treatment individualized to each patient.