Long-term Sustainability of Posture Correction during Adolescent Growth: A Narrative Review

Adolescence is marked by fast somatic growth and neuromuscular development, which have a big impact on spinal biomechanics and postural alignment. Skeletal elongation may momentarily surpass the muscles and connective tissues ability to adapt during the adolescent growth spurt, especially around Peak Height Velocity (PHV), resulting in postural abnormalities as Forward Head Posture (FHP), rounded shoulders, and thoracic kyphosis. These changes have been linked to a rise in the mechanical strain on spinal structures and the emergence of musculoskeletal pain in adolescents. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of posture correction interventions and to interpret the long-term sustainability of those interventions. Corrective exercises, postural education, and ergonomic interventions are common rehabilitation techniques used to treat postural disorders. While many studies report improvement in posture, evidence regarding long-term maintenance of those corrections remains limited. Understanding impact of adolescent growth spurt and PHV is essential and hence further longitudinal research is needed to develop effective long-term sustainability of posture corrections.