2022 Volume 37 Issue 4 Pages 413-418
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of hyperkyphosis in elementary school students. [Participants and Methods] A study of 83 elementary school students was conducted. A Spinal Mouse was used to measure their thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle and sacral anteversion in an upright position. Hyperkyphosis was defined as a thoracic kyphosis angle of >40° and the participants were assigned to hyperkyphosis and non-hyperkyphosis groups on this basis. [Results] The prevalence of hyperkyphosis was approximately 30%. The thoracic kyphosis angles (upper thoracic and lower thoracic) and lumbar kyphosis angles were significantly higher in the hyperkyphosis group, compared to the non-hyperkyphosis group. Moreover, the upper thoracic spine had a significantly higher angle than the lower thoracic spine in the hyperkyphosis group. [Conclusion] The results of this study indicate an approximately 30% prevalence of hyperkyphosis and suggest that the upper thoracic spine may be characterized by a greater degree of kyphosis.
