Which term refers to abnormal rounding of the thoracic spine, usually accompanied by rounded shoulders?

• A. Kyphosis
• B. Lordosis
• C. Repetitive movement
• D. Postural distortion patterns

Answer: (A)

An exaggerated rounding of the upper back is called kyphosis. This term describes an excessive curvature of the thoracic spine, which gives a hunched appearance and often comes with rounded shoulders. In fitness and posture assessments, you’ll see this pattern when the upper back curves more than normal and the chest tends to be tight, with the shoulder blades protracted.

The other terms don’t fit this specific description: a pronounced inward curvature of the lower back is lordosis, not the thoracic region; repetitive movement refers to motion-related injuries, not a spinal shape; and postural distortion patterns is a broader label for various alignment issues, not the precise condition of the thoracic rounding.