Effect of Physiotherapy on Thoracic Rotation in Individuals with Spinal Pathology

Objective: Spinal pathologies are common musculoskeletal disorders in industrialized societies, often leading to impaired thoracic rotation, which is crucial for spinal stability and weight transfer during movement. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a physiotherapy program on thoracic rotation in individuals with spinal pathologies. Method: The study group consisted of 56 patients with spinal pathologies, including 32 with lumbar and 24 with cervical involvement, while the control group comprised 34 healthy individuals without spinal pathologies. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire; disability was evaluated with the Oswestry Disability Index and the Neck Disability Index; physical performance was measured using the Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test; and quality of life was assessed with the Short-Form 36 Health Survey. Thoracic rotation degree was measured using a goniometer. The physiotherapy program, prescribed by a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, was implemented by a physiotherapist for the study group. It consisted of 15 sessions, conducted five days per week, with each session lasting 45-60 minutes. The entire program spanned three weeks. Assessments were performed once for the control group and both before and after physiotherapy for the study group. Results: The baseline assessments revealed that the study group had significantly lower thoracic rotation degrees and higher disability levels compared to the control group (p<0.05). Following the physiotherapy intervention, the study group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in thoracic rotation, pain reduction, quality of life, and sit-to-stand test performance (p<0.05). Conclusion: Physiotherapy effectively reduces pain and improves quality of life in individuals with spinal pathologies. However, despite improvements, thoracic rotation remains lower than in healthy individuals. Incorporating targeted exercises for thoracic rotation into physiotherapy programs may enhance clinical outcomes in this population.