Background

The three-dimensional development of scoliosis has always led the experts in this field to say that the cor-rection of curves in the sagittal plane is an important topic. Many experts propose that the thoracic correction should be done very carefully, to avoid any increase of kyphosis resulting in an increase of the hump. Aim The primary purpose of this study is to verify the changes of the shape of the trunk in subjects, when asked to actively increase their thoracic kyphosis. Secondary pur-pose was to investigate the differences in the results while the subjects inhaled, or exhaled. Method 37 consecutive patients (28 females- 9 males; Average age 14.9±2.3; Average °Cobb 27.05±12.9) performed 4 different postural examinations with a Formetric system in orthostatic position. (1) in the normal position (NP) (1) in a position of Active Self-Correction (ASC) (1) kyphotisation in the inspiratory phase (KI) (1) kyphotisation in the expiratory phase (KE) Results In NP, the average measure of thoracic kyphosis was 37.8°±11.2. In comparison to the normal position, the extent of thoracic kyphosis actually increases when the patient tries actively to emphasize it, both during an inspiratory (43.7±10.4), and an expiratory (45.6±39.7), phase. The average area of the hump doesn’t change sig