JOURACA_SP_2017

Kyphosis and Corresponding
Effects on Levels of Self-Efficacy
Omar Mulla
Mild hyperkyphosis, an abnormal forward
curvature in the thoracic spine, is a common
progressive deformity of the spine that affects
up to 50% of older adults. Hyperkyphosis
can lead to significant deterioration
in health status, physical mobility,
and quality of life (Katzman et al., 2016).
While this disorder has been shown to contribute
significantly to poor psychosocial
functioning in the older adults, only one
study has previously examined the link between
Hyperkyphosis and psychological
well-being, particularly self-efficacy. The
current study measured levels of self efficacy,
self esteem, anhedonia, muscular fitness,
and postural stability in six (6) college students.
Four of the students exhibited mild
hyperkyphosis at baseline, and two were
included as age-matched controls. Students
are currently enrolled in 10 weeks of physical
training at the University of South Alabama
Student Recreation Center. In young
people, the Kyphosis is often referred to as
“laptop neck,” and is becoming an increasing
problem for American students. Results
from the baseline examination reveal that
individuals with Kyphosis do not vary on
physical fitness or BMI, but do exhibit higher
levels of psychological tension and anxiety,
and lower levels of self-efficacy. These
results indicate that mild Kyphosis may be a
risk factor for psychological illness and interfere
with development of positive coping
strategies in college students.
Department of Exercise Science
Psychology
Mentor: Dr. John Shelley, Tremblay
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