Key Takeaway
Both stretching and strengthening exercises improve spinal and lumbopelvic posture, with strengthening showing more consistent effects on thoracic kyphosis.
Summary
This systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the effects of chronic stretching and strengthening exercise programs on spinal and lumbopelvic posture. The authors included randomized controlled trials that assessed postural outcomes after structured exercise interventions targeting the spine, pelvis, or both.
The meta-analysis found that both stretching and strengthening interventions led to improvements in postural alignment. Strengthening exercises showed particularly consistent positive effects on thoracic kyphosis reduction, while stretching contributed to improvements in overall spinal flexibility and pelvic alignment. The combined evidence suggests that either modality can produce meaningful postural changes when applied consistently.
These findings are clinically relevant because they demonstrate that accessible exercise interventions -- whether focused on flexibility or muscle activation -- can meaningfully improve posture. The results support incorporating both modalities into posture correction programs, with strengthening exercises being especially important for addressing excessive thoracic curvature common in desk workers.
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