Elderly hunchbacks often practice yoga

Hunchback is common among older people and affects the spine from the base of the neck to the top of the back. Excessive bending of the chest spine can cause hunched back. Hunchback is often painless, but it limits an individual's ability to carry out daily activities, such as standing up from his seat, taking objects and bending over.

Some humpbacks are caused by fractures of the spine, which are considered uncorrectable, but only half of people with this condition have a history of fractures. In most cases, fractures are caused by incorrect posture or weak muscles. These factors can be changed through yoga, and in short, yoga is considered a safe treatment that can be started at any age.

In the new study, 21 hunchbacked women aged 60 to 80 participated in a "one-hour yoga class" twice a week for 12 weeks. The course includes four specific postures focused on the upper back. More difficult postures were introduced every three weeks, and height and upper back curvature were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Several physical tests are also conducted.

After 12 weeks of practicing yoga, the average height of the women increased by 0. Above 5 centimeters, the curvature of the spine is slightly improved. Physical fitness tests also showed improvement, indicating that the spine has become more flexible. Sixty-three percent of women reported feeling better, and 58 percent felt an improvement in physical functioning.

Yoga as a form of exercise can be traced back to more than 2000 years. Many people who have practiced yoga report increased muscle strength, better flexibility and balance, reduced back pain, more relaxed, and better overall feeling. (Internship Editor: Wu Jinyu)