PURPOSE: To compare the effects of postural corrective and Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises on thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA), lumbar lordosis angle (LLA), balance and quality of life (QoL) in individuals with postural kyphosis. METHODS: This was a single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial with a total of 63 subjects (57 women, 6 men) with TKA of >= 40degree. Subjects were separated into three groups: postural corrective exercise group (PCEG), Schroth-based three-dimensional exercise group (SBEG) and control group (CG). Participants in the exercise groups participated in the exercise program twice a week for eight weeks under the supervision of a physiotherapist: CG performed no exercise but was generally informed. The primary outcome variable was TKA. Secondary outcome variables were LLA, balance and QoL. RESULTS: After the functional exercise programs, TKA (mean change for PCEG, SBEG: -9.71 to -14.76, p < 0.001), static postural stability index overall (-0.22 to -0.40, p < 0.05), and QoL (-0.41 to -0.37, p < 0.001) significantly improved in both training groups compared with CG. The LLA (-3.95, p = 0.003) was significantly lower in the SBEG group than in CG. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises are an effective treatment for individuals with postural kyphosis and have a large effect size that improves TKA, LLA, balance and QoL. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03706495.

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