Investigation of the impact of postural kyphosis on upperextremity functions in middle and high school students

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of postural kyphosis on upper extremity functions in middle and high school students. Materials and Methods: The study included 51 middle school or high school students diagnosed with postural kyphosis and 51 healthy middle school or high school students. The participants' gross grip strength was assessed using a Jamar hand dynamometer, their fine grip strength using a Jamar pinch meter, their fine motor skills using the Nine-Hole Peg Test and the Purdue Pegboard Test, their throwing skills using the Functional Throwing Performance Index, and their visual perception using the Kyphosis-Specific Spine Appearance Questionnaire. Results: The dominant and non-dominant gross grip strength values were significantly lower in the postural kyphosis group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Similarly, dominant and non-dominant pinch grip strength values were also significantly lower in the postural kyphosis group than in the control group (p<0.05). In the Nine-Hole Peg Test, the completion times for both extremities were significantly longer in the kyphosis group compared to the control group (p<0.05). In all subparameters of the Purdue Pegboard Test, the scores of the kyphosis group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.05). Functional Throwing Performance Index scores were significantly lower in the postural kyphosis group compared to the control group (p<0.05). The results of the Kyphosis Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire indicated significantly more negative body image perceptions in the kyphosis group compared to the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that upper extremity functions were significantly affected in middle and high school students with postural kyphosis compared to their healthy peers. Statistically significant differences were identified between the postural kyphosis group and the control group in terms of gross and pinch grip strength, fine motor skills (Nine-Hole Peg Test), hand functions (Purdue Pegboard Test), functional throwing ability (Functional Throwing Performance Index), and body image perception (Kyphosis Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire). Keywords: Adolescent Individuals; Functional Evaluation; Postural Kyphosis; Upper Extremity Functions