Background: This study aimed at investigating the effects of an online corrective exercise intervention on correcting forward head and kyphosis as well as reducing feelings of fatigue and pain in adolescents.
Methods: The present study enjoyed a causal-comparative design. The participants included 40 females aged 13-15 years. Upper cross syndrome was measured by the use of Image J software and Spinal Mouse. Feeling of fatigue and pain were assessed through questionnaires. During correctional training, the intervention group performed corrective exercises for eight weeks, three sessions per week, and each session lasting 30-45 minutes within the WhatsApp application.
Results: Body mass index (mean 22.86) in female adolescents was in the normal range (between 18.5 and 25), although it was close to its high level. The results showed that an online training course improved and corrected the condition of forward head (P=0.000) and kyphosis (P=0.000) in female adolescents. Furthermore, this training period has significantly reduced the feeling of fatigue (P=0.000) and pain (P=0.000). In addition, the results of the follow-up test revealed that the positive effects of an online correctional training period remained constant over time (P=0.000).
Conclusion: Corrective movements are effective in strengthen the muscles of the neck and back, and stretching the anterior muscles of the neck and chest in people with anterior head and kyphosis; while improving the condition of the head and kyphosis in adolescents, they can also reduce the feelings of fatigue and pain. Moreover, practicing methods for correcting abnormalities can be used online and virtually.