Exercise Therapy Considering Thoracic Function in Spinal Disease

Abstract

The thoracic spine and thoracic cage are important in exercise therapy for spinal disorders. This paper describes the structure of the thorax, its joints, and the mobility of the spine. (1) A case of 5th lumbar spondylolysis in which respiratory motion affected spinal extension movement, and (2) a case of overhead sports (diving) are presented to show how dysfunction of the thoracic spine and thoracic cage affects spinal disease and its assessment, intervention methods and exercise therapy for the thoracic spine and thoracic cage. In addition, specific methods of assessment of thoracic spine and thoracic cage rotational mobility are introduced. Understanding the function of the thoracic spine and thoracic cage and integrating it into exercise therapy provides an effective approach to spinal disease.