Effectiveness of Telerehabilitation for Correcting Posture in Elderly with Thoracic Kyphosis in Urban Thailand

Introduction: Thoracic kyphosis (TK) is an abnormal thoracic spine. Telerehabilitation and conventional physical therapy were compared for correct posture in the thoracic angle, forward head posture, back muscle strength, and cost-effectiveness. Method: Twenty-two Thai women 60 years of age and over, with thoracic angles over 45 degrees, participated in this study. Participants were randomly allocated into a telerehabilitation group (TG) or a control group (CG). TG and CG underwent a thoracic corrective exercise program for 1 hour each session, three times per week for 8 weeks. Result: Thoracic angle, forward head posture, and back muscle strength improved (P < .05) in both groups. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness showed the cost of intervention in TG lower than CG, approximately 133.78 US$. Conclusion: Our study showed no difference in telepractice program efficacy and effectiveness compared to in-person treatment in the clinic. Thus, telerehabilitation may be an alternative treatment for the elderly who cannot travel to the hospital.