An Eight-Week Home Exercise and Behavioral Modification Program for Improving Upper Quarter Posture and Postural Stability in Older Adults: A Prospective Experimental Study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Home Exercise Program (HEP) on upper quarter posture and postural stability in older adults with faulty upper quarter posture. Design: A single group pretest-posttest study Methods: Nineteen participants aged 65 to 79 years including 13 females and 6 males with mean ±SD age of 72.7±3.4 years were recruited. During pre-intervention and post-intervention data collection sessions participants’ forward head angle (FHA) and forward shoulder angle (FSA) were assessed using craniovertebral angles. Static balance was measured under six conditions using the Bertec Computerized Dynamic Posturography. Following pre-intervention assessment participants were asked to complete an 8-week HEP that included chin tuck and scapular retraction exercises. They also received guidance on behavioral modification strategies and were sent daily text reminders to encourage adherence to the program and to help maintain proper body posture throughout daily activities. Results: When assessing changes in balance over time (post versus pre), there was a significant increase in the composite score of the balance (74.4 ± 14.5 versus 71.4 ± 14.2; p=0.006). In addition, there was a significant decrease in mean FHA (48.3 ± 8.4 versus 51.2 ± 8.5; p=0.002). However, there was no significant change in mean FSA over time (48.3 ± 8.4 versus 51.2 ± 8.5; p=0.92). Conclusion: HEP completion demonstrated improved upper quarter posture and postural stability in older adults with faulty upper quarter posture.