Effect of a combined thoracic and backward lifting exercise on the thoracic kyphosis angle and intercostal muscle pain

[Purpose] This study developed a combined thoracic and backward lifting exercise for thoracic kyphosis angle and intercostal muscle pain. [Subject and Methods] The subject was a 41-year-old man who complained of upper thoracic and intercostal pain. He performed the combined thoracic and backward lifting exercise for 15 days. [Results] The initial VAS score for the intercostal area was 4/10. The VAS score decreased to 1/10 after the thoracic exercise combined with backward lifting. The initial thoracic kyphosis angle was 38° and it decreased to 32° after the exercise period. [Conclusion] Therefore, backward lifting and thoracic extension is a good posture for activating the different layers of muscle that are attached to the ribs. The kyphosis angle is also reduced by providing sufficient resistance during the thoracic exercise.