Key Takeaway
Exercise interventions effectively improve postural malalignments in head, neck, and trunk across all age groups, with corrective exercise programs showing the strongest evidence.
Summary
This systematic review examined randomized controlled trials evaluating exercise interventions designed to correct postural malalignments of the head, neck, and trunk across three age groups: adolescents, adults, and older adults. The authors searched multiple databases and assessed study quality to determine the strength of evidence for various exercise approaches.
The review found strong to moderate evidence supporting exercise interventions for improving forward head posture, thoracic kyphosis, and overall spinal alignment. Corrective exercise programs that combined strengthening and stretching components showed the most consistent benefits. The effects were observed across all age groups, suggesting that postural improvements through exercise are achievable regardless of age.
A key finding was that structured exercise programs of at least 4-8 weeks duration produced meaningful postural changes. The review also noted that interventions targeting specific postural deviations (rather than general fitness programs) were more effective at correcting malalignments. This supports the use of targeted corrective exercise protocols as a first-line approach for managing postural dysfunction.