The Claim
High-load overhead press training to failure increases thoracic kyphosis angle by more than 5 degrees and decreases craniovertebral angle below 48 degrees in recreational collegiate weightlifters aged 18–24, while non-failure training preserves normal postural alignment.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In recreational collegiate weightlifters aged 18–24, performing overhead presses to muscular failure increases the curvature of the upper back by more than 5 degrees and reduces the angle between the head and neck below 48 degrees, whereas training without reaching failure does not alter these postural measurements.
See the scientific wording
High-load overhead press training to failure increases thoracic kyphosis angle by more than 5 degrees and decreases craniovertebral angle below 48 degrees in recreational collegiate weightlifters aged 18–24, indicating acute development of forward head posture and hyperkyphosis, while non-failure training preserves normal postural alignment.
When muscles in the upper back, shoulders, and neck are pushed to exhaustion, they lose their ability to send accurate signals to the brain about where the joints are. The brain then fails to coordinate the muscles properly, causing the head to jut forward and the upper back to round excessively. The core muscles also tire out and can no longer hold the spine steady, making the posture collapse even more.
What the research says
1 studyLifting heavy weights until you can't do another rep made people's heads stick forward and their upper backs round more right after exercising. But stopping before exhaustion didn't change their posture at all.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.