Document Type : Original Articles
Authors
1 Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
2 Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Ragheb Esfahani Institute of Higher Education, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Lower Crossed Syndrome (LCS) is characterized by muscle imbalances and reduced flexibility, often leading to altered posture and movement dysfunctions. This semi-experimental pre-test/post-test study compared the effects of National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) exercises and kinetic chain training on lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and hip joint range of motion (ROM) in individuals with LCS.
Methods: Thirty participants with LCS were purposefully and conveniently selected and randomly assigned to three groups: NASM, kinetic chain, and control. The NASM and kinetic chain groups completed an 8-week training program, with three sessions per week. Lumbar lordosis angle was measured using a flexible ruler, pelvic tilt angle was assessed via a tilt meter, and hip joint ROM was measured using a goniometer before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with significance set at P < 0.05. Analysis was performed with SPSS version 26.
Results: Both NASM and kinetic chain training significantly reduced lumbar lordosis (P = 0.000) and anterior pelvic tilt (P = 0.000), and increased considerably hip joint ROM in both flexion and extension (P = 0.000). Post-hoc analyses revealed that NASM exercises had a greater impact on reducing lumbar lordosis, anterior pelvic tilt, and increasing hip flexion ROM than kinetic chain exercises. Conversely, kinetic chain training was more effective in increasing hip extension ROM than NASM exercises.
Conclusion: Both NASM and kinetic chain exercises are practical corrective interventions for improving posture and mobility in individuals with LCS. NASM exercises are particularly beneficial for reducing lumbar lordosis and anterior pelvic tilt and enhancing hip flexion ROM, whereas kinetic chain exercises are more suitable for improving hip extension ROM.
Keywords
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