Thoracic KyphosisNCT07373925
Kinesio Taping Versus Dry Cupping Therapy in Treatment of Thoracic Kyphosis
A study testing Kinesio taping, Dry Cupping Therapy and Conventional treatment in people with Thoracic Kyphosis, run by Cairo University.
Trial summary
This study will be conducted to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping versus dry cupping therapy in the treatment of thoracic kyphosis Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Thoracic Kyphosis
- What is being tested?
- Kinesio taping, Dry Cupping Therapy and Conventional treatment
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 48 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2026to 1 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Subjects with thoracic kyphosis angle > 40° diagnosed by a medical doctor will be selected from Damietta University's clinic of physical education faculty.
- Subjects from both genders with an age range between 18 and 30 years .
- Subjects who are physically active in physical education sessions
Who cannot join
- Subjects with medical conditions that restrict activity.
- Those who received exercise intervention for kyphosis.
- Structural thoracic kyphosis, defined as thoracic kyphosis that did not partially or completely disappear during prone extension, as assessed by a physical therapist.
- Medical history of spinal fracture, spinal surgery, shoulder joint injury or pelvic injury.
- Other spinal diseases; presence of scoliosis on Adam's forward bend test.
- Spinal kyphosis due to visible thoracic deformity.
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- Subjects undergoing professional sports training.
- Skin disease (dermatitis, psoriasis), neurological disease or cancer.
- Using anticoagulants or nonsteroidal antidepressants.
- Inflammatory or rheumatologic disorders of the spine.
- Severe cardiopulmonary disease, rheumatic disease or pregnancy.
- Have a pacemaker or metal implants.
- Do not understand the written consent form.
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: Effect of Kinesio Taping Versus Dry Cupping Therapy in Treatment of Thoracic Kyphosis: A Randomized Control Trial
This study will be conducted to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping versus dry cupping therapy in the treatment of thoracic kyphosis
Read the detailed description
Kyphosis is defined as an increase in the forward curvature of the spine that is seen along the sagittal plane. When the forward curvature becomes excessive, this is called hyperkyphosis. The curvature can be a normal variance when presented in the thoracic spine or in excess be a cause for instability and concern. The natural history of kyphosis is not exactly well known. Kinesio Taping (KT) stands out as one such modality proposed to manage musculoskeletal disorders (MSK) disorders. First developed in the 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase, It is touted for pain relief, increased range of motion (ROM), and muscle relaxation. As such, it is widely used, not only among athletes but also in clinical medicine Another traditional technique is known as dry cupping therapy that involve the application of cups to create localised negative pressure on the skin, has been utilised for over four thousand years. Its use spans various conditions, including musculoskeletal pain. Dry Cupping has traditionally carried folkloric, cultural, religious, and spiritual significance within various societies It is used for health promotion, prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of diseases around the world. It is a well-recognized traditional method for managing medical conditions. Currently, the scope of cupping therapy is expanding, and a growing body of research is providing additional evidence-based data for the further advancement of this therapy in the treatment of a variety of diseases. It has gained popularity and acceptance as a method of treating pain as well as sports injuries and other medical conditions.
- Conditions
- Thoracic Kyphosis
- Being tested
- Kinesio taping, Dry Cupping Therapy, Conventional treatment
- Keywords
- Kinesio taping, Dry Cupping Therapy, Thoracic Kyphosis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kinesio tapingOther
The subjects in this group will be treated with KT in addition to the traditional treatment for thoracic kyphosis. Elastic tape (Kinesio tape, Kinesio® Tex Classic, Kinesio Holding Corporation, New Mexico, USA) 5 cm in width will be applied on the upper back of participants by a certified physiotherapist. When applying the tape, the participants will be in an upright standing position with both arms along the side of the body in a relaxed position. Taping will be applied from a starting point at the anterior aspect of the acromioclavicular joint and will be applied across the spinous process at T6 with the tape ending around T12 paraspinal muscle. The elastic tape will be applied with a stretch of approximately 150 %, .Taping will not be taken off for four days. After day four, it will be taken off and the skin will be rested for two days. Taping application will be repeated on day 7. The patients in this group will be followed for four weeks.
Dry Cupping TherapyOther
Participants in this group will receive three sessions per week for four weeks. Two sessions will include cupping therapy in addition to conventional treatment, while one session will consist of conventional treatment only. Six stationary cups will be placed directly around the thoracic spine three cups on each side of the spine. Reusable acrylic cups of medium diameter (3.5 cm) will be used for each individual at each session. The participant will be asked to lie prone. Before beginning the session, if any signs of dehydration are identified by the therapist, coconut oil will be applied to the region in order to hydrate the skin. cups will initially be applied through two suctions by the hand pump, "moderate" suction, which generates a negative pressure of approximately 300 millibar. For participants who report considerable discomfort, the pressure will slightly be minimized according to the individual sensation. cups will be positioned around the thoracic region for 10 Min.
Conventional treatmentOther
The participants in this group will receive conventional treatment that will include advices, stretching, strengthening and functional exercises 3 sessions a week for 4 weeks.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio taping | Experimental | 16 participants will receive Kinesio taping once a week for 4 weeks + traditional treatment Receives: Other: Kinesio taping; Other: Conventional treatment |
| Dry Cupping Therapy | Experimental | 16 participants will receive Dry Cupping Therapy 3 times a week for 4 weeks + traditional treatment Receives: Other: Dry Cupping Therapy; Other: Conventional treatment |
| Conventional treatment | Active comparator | 16 participants will receive traditional treatment Receives: Other: Conventional treatment |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain Intensity Level
A visual analogue scale (VAS) will be used to measure the intensity of pain. With a score of 0 for no pain and 10 for the worst pain ever, this psychometric response scale, which measures pain intensity based on numerical values, is 10 cm or 100 mm in length. The interclass correlation ranges for the VAS, a validated and dependable measure of pain intensity, are 0.95 to 0.98. Patients rated their level of pain as mild if they scored 3.4 or less, moderate if they scored 3.5 to 7.4, and severe if they scored 7.5 or higher.
Measured: up to 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Thoracic-curve angle
The digital inclinometer will be used to measure thoracic-curve angle. It is a precision instrument designed to measure angles of slope, tilt, or inclination. The digital inclinometer is becoming a popular tool to assess the musculoskeletal system, including the antero-posterior curvatures of the spine, in both clinical practice and research. The digital inclinometer is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring thoracic kyphosis and can be used for regular screening.
Measured: up to 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted28 Jan 2026
- Study start1 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Thoracic KyphosisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Kinesio taping and Dry Cupping Therapy
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Aya Alaa Eldeen Sultan, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07373925
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T/REC/012/006192
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 21 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Kinesio Taping Versus Dry Cupping Therapy in Treatment of Thoracic Kyphosis: A Randomized Control Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07373925
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- P.T/REC/012/006192
- Conditions
- Thoracic Kyphosis
- Keywords
- Kinesio taping, Dry Cupping Therapy, Thoracic Kyphosis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 48 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 28 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study will be conducted to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping versus dry cupping therapy in the treatment of thoracic kyphosis
Detailed description
Kyphosis is defined as an increase in the forward curvature of the spine that is seen along the sagittal plane. When the forward curvature becomes excessive, this is called hyperkyphosis. The curvature can be a normal variance when presented in the thoracic spine or in excess be a cause for instability and concern. The natural history of kyphosis is not exactly well known. Kinesio Taping (KT) stands out as one such modality proposed to manage musculoskeletal disorders (MSK) disorders. First developed in the 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase, It is touted for pain relief, increased range of motion (ROM), and muscle relaxation. As such, it is widely used, not only among athletes but also in clinical medicine Another traditional technique is known as dry cupping therapy that involve the application of cups to create localised negative pressure on the skin, has been utilised for over four thousand years. Its use spans various conditions, including musculoskeletal pain. Dry Cupping has traditionally carried folkloric, cultural, religious, and spiritual significance within various societies It is used for health promotion, prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of diseases around the world. It is a well-recognized traditional method for managing medical conditions. Currently, the scope of cupping therapy is expanding, and a growing body of research is providing additional evidence-based data for the further advancement of this therapy in the treatment of a variety of diseases. It has gained popularity and acceptance as a method of treating pain as well as sports injuries and other medical conditions.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Kinesio taping and Dry Cupping Therapy
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio taping | Experimental | Other: Kinesio taping, Other: Conventional treatment16 participants will receive Kinesio taping once a week for 4 weeks + traditional treatment |
| Dry Cupping Therapy | Experimental | Other: Dry Cupping Therapy, Other: Conventional treatment16 participants will receive Dry Cupping Therapy 3 times a week for 4 weeks + traditional treatment |
| Conventional treatment | Active comparator | Other: Conventional treatment16 participants will receive traditional treatment |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Subjects with thoracic kyphosis angle > 40° diagnosed by a medical doctor will be selected from Damietta University's clinic of physical education faculty.
- Subjects from both genders with an age range between 18 and 30 years .
- Subjects who are physically active in physical education sessions
Key exclusion criteria (13 listed)
- Subjects with medical conditions that restrict activity.
- Those who received exercise intervention for kyphosis.
- Structural thoracic kyphosis, defined as thoracic kyphosis that did not partially or completely disappear during prone extension, as assessed by a physical therapist.
- Medical history of spinal fracture, spinal surgery, shoulder joint injury or pelvic injury.
- Other spinal diseases; presence of scoliosis on Adam's forward bend test.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesio tapingThe subjects in this group will be treated with KT in addition to the traditional treatment for thoracic kyphosis. Elastic tape (Kinesio tape, Kinesio® Tex Classic, Kinesio Holding Corporation, New Mexico, USA) 5 cm in width will be applied on the upper back of participants by a certified physiotherapist. When applying the tape, the participants will be in an upright standing position with both arms along the side of the body in a relaxed position. Taping will be applied from a starting point at the anterior aspect of the acromioclavicular joint and will be applied across the spinous process at T6 with the tape ending around T12 paraspinal muscle. The elastic tape will be applied with a stretch of approximately 150 %, .Taping will not be taken off for four days. After day four, it will be taken off and the skin will be rested for two days. Taping application will be repeated on day 7. The patients in this group will be followed for four weeks. | Other | Kinesio taping |
| Dry Cupping TherapyParticipants in this group will receive three sessions per week for four weeks. Two sessions will include cupping therapy in addition to conventional treatment, while one session will consist of conventional treatment only. Six stationary cups will be placed directly around the thoracic spine three cups on each side of the spine. Reusable acrylic cups of medium diameter (3.5 cm) will be used for each individual at each session. The participant will be asked to lie prone. Before beginning the session, if any signs of dehydration are identified by the therapist, coconut oil will be applied to the region in order to hydrate the skin. cups will initially be applied through two suctions by the hand pump, "moderate" suction, which generates a negative pressure of approximately 300 millibar. For participants who report considerable discomfort, the pressure will slightly be minimized according to the individual sensation. cups will be positioned around the thoracic region for 10 Min. | Other | Dry Cupping Therapy |
| Conventional treatmentThe participants in this group will receive conventional treatment that will include advices, stretching, strengthening and functional exercises 3 sessions a week for 4 weeks. | Other | Conventional treatment, Dry Cupping Therapy, Kinesio taping |
Primary outcome
Pain Intensity Level
Time frame: up to 4 weeks
A visual analogue scale (VAS) will be used to measure the intensity of pain. With a score of 0 for no pain and 10 for the worst pain ever, this psychometric response scale, which measures pain intensity based on numerical values, is 10 cm or 100 mm in length. The interclass correlation ranges for the VAS, a validated and dependable measure of pain intensity, are 0.95 to 0.98. Patients rated their level of pain as mild if they scored 3.4 or less, moderate if they scored 3.5 to 7.4, and severe if they scored 7.5 or higher.
1 secondary outcome
Thoracic-curve angle
Time frame: up to 4 weeks
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Jan 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kinesio taping, Dry Cupping Therapy and Conventional treatment in people with Thoracic Kyphosis, run by Cairo University.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 13 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Aya Sultan, Master (0 10 95506899, yoyasulta96@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain Intensity Level (time frame: up to 4 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Jan 2026.