محمدحسین علیزاده

Background: Hyper kyphosis is a common postural issue that affects many women, often leading to negative body image. Aim: The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of an 8-week corrective exercise program on the body image of women with hyper kyphosis. Materials and Methods: The research method used in this study was quasi-experimental. The study population consisted of female students aged 18 to 26 years with hyper kyphosis at Shahid Rajaee University. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n=20) or the control group (n=20). Hyper kyphosis was measured using a flexible ruler, while body image was assessed using the Body-esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults. The questionnaire had a reliability coefficient of 0.83 as measured by Cronbach's alpha. After 8 weeks of corrective exercise, both the experimental and control groups completed the questionnaire again. The control group did not receive any training during this time. The data were analyzed using the mixed ANOVA method with SPSS-26 software at a significance level of 95%. Results: The results of the mixed ANOVA analysis showed that the main effect of the training group and the interaction between the group and test stages were significant in the post-test stage for the dependent variable of total body image (F=6.82, P =0.013), appearance (F=6.72, P =0.014), attitude (F=8.81, P =0.005), and kyphosis angle (F=18.91, P =0.000). However, there was no significant effect of training on weight satisfaction. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that eight weeks of corrective exercise significantly reduced the hyper kyphosis angle ( P =0.01), resulting in an improvement in the subjects' posture and a decrease in deformity. This improvement in appearance led to an increase in satisfaction with their appearance, as demonstrated by improvements in their body image.

Background: Losing a limb can negatively impact balance and gait, leading to reduced quality of life.Aim: This study aimed to examine correlations between spatiotemporal gait and balance with scores of the Quality of Life questionnaire.Materials and Methods: 30 veterans with unilateral below-knee amputations underwent gait analysis to measure step length, stride length, stance time, cadence, velocity, and walking symmetry index by step length. Static balance was assessed via the center of pressure path length by Wii Balance Board during standing. The Timed Up and Go test evaluated dynamic balance. The QoL scores were recorded using the Quality of Life questionnaire for amputees, Trinity Amputation, and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES). Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated between spatiotemporal of gait, balance scores, and TAPES domain outcomes.Results: Stride length (r=0.660), prosthetic step length (r=0.648) and intact step length (r=0.618) showed significant moderate positive correlations with psychosocial adjustment, while amputation limb stance time (r=-0.409) correlated weakly. Activity limitations negatively correlated with step/stride lengths (r range -0.781 to -0.784) and cadence (r=-0.538). Moreover, prosthesis satisfaction was associated with improved walking symmetry (r=0.445) and prosthetic stance time (r=0.388).Conclusion: Optimizing gait and balance in below-knee amputation can improve quality of life. Biomechanical factors should be targeted in rehab programs to enhance well-being.