INTRODUCTION

Thoracic kyphosis (TK) is an abnormal thoracic spine. Telerehabilitation and conventional physical therapy were compared for correct posture in the thoracic angle, forward head posture, back muscle strength, and cost-effectiveness.

METHOD

Twenty-two Thai women 60 years of age and over, with thoracic angles over 45 degrees, participated in this study. Participants were randomly allocated into a telerehabilitation group (TG) or a control group (CG). TG and CG underwent a thoracic corrective exercise program for 1 hour each session, three times per week for 8 weeks.

RESULT

Thoracic angle, forward head posture, and back muscle strength improved (P < .05) in both groups. Furthermore, cost-effectiveness showed the cost of intervention in TG lower than CG, approximately 133.78 US$.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed no difference in telepractice program efficacy and effectiveness compared to in-person treatment in the clinic. Thus, telerehabilitation may be an alternative treatment for the elderly who cannot travel to the hospital.