Where this summary comes from
Kirkbir F, Khazanin H, Delavari M, Moazamigoudarzi S, Yilmaz F, Karakulak I, Yilmaz O, Khosravi M, Alimoradi M, Alghosi M, Solana-Tramunt M. The Effects of Movement-Based Exercises Combined with Respiratory Techniques on the Thoracic Kyphosis Angle in Individuals with Thoracic Hyperkyphosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare, 2026. PMID 42588352.
The paper itself — doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14152384
Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis · 5 trials · 247 participants
What the paper asked
If breathing technique is added to movement exercise, does the thoracic kyphosis angle come down further?
What was found
- Yes — combining exercise with breathing beat exercise alone: Hedges' g = 0.667 (95% CI 0.395 to 0.940).
- But not for everyone. The effect was clear in adolescents (g = 0.860) and not significant in older adults (g = 0.241).
What does not follow from it
- Only five trials, and the certainty of the evidence was rated moderate.
- The age difference means the result cannot be carried from one group to the other.
What it means for someone here
Rounded upper back is the most common thing seen on the side view. Two practical points: breathing is part of the exercise rather than something separate from it, and age changes what to expect. For an adolescent with a measured kyphosis, expecting the angle to change is reasonable; for an older person the realistic target is usually function and pain rather than the number.
Related findings
This page summarises one study. It is not treatment advice, and no programme is written for a person from a single paper.