Thoracic kyphosis and mobility: the effect of age

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Abstract
A profile of thoracic kyphosis and range of motion in all directions has been documented in an ageing population of 120 normal adult females. Kyphosis and sagittal plane movement were measured with an inclinometer, frontal plane movement with Myrin goniometers, and horizontal plane movement with a modified lumbar rotameter. The angle of kyphosis increased significantly with age (p< 0.001), ranging from 41 ± 9° in subjects in their 3rd decade to 60 ± 10° in subjects over 70 years. Significant changes in angle of kyphosis occurred only after the 5th decade. Range of thoracic spine movement decreased significantly with age in all directions in which measurements were made (p< 0.001). Statistical analysis of the results obtained suggests that ageing restricts movements of the thoracic spine more rapidly in some directions than in others