HyperkyphosisNCT07441213
Viscous Elastic Properties of Superficial Back Muscles in Individuals With Hyperkyphosis
An observational study of Hyperkyphosis and Viscoelasticity, run by Sanko University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a common spinal deformity that may alter the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of trunk muscles. This comparative study aims to investigate differences in the mechanical properties of selected back and chest muscles between individuals with hyperkyphosis and healthy controls. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Hyperkyphosis, Viscoelasticity
- How many people
- 88 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Nov 2025to 15 Jan 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: individual with hyperkyphosis
Who may be able to join
- Individuals with a kyphosis angle of ≥50° and ≤50º were evaluated for eligibility. The inclusion criteria were: having a hyperkyphosis degree of ≥50°, a physiologic curve of the thoracic degree of ≤50º, and voluntarily participating in the study.
Who cannot join
- individuals with scoliosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis, and other congenital spinal problems.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Viscoelastic Properties of Superficial Back Muscles: A Comparative Study of Individuals With Hyperkyphosis and Healthy Controls
Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a common spinal deformity that may alter the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of trunk muscles. This comparative study aims to investigate differences in the mechanical properties of selected back and chest muscles between individuals with hyperkyphosis and healthy controls.
A total of 88 participants will be categorized based on thoracic kyphosis angle (≥50° hyperkyphosis; <50° control). The kyphosis angle will be measured using a flexible ruler method. Muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, and relaxation properties of the trapezius, erector spinae, and pectoralis major muscles will be assessed using a handheld myotonometer. Spinal appearance perception will be evaluated using a kyphosis-specific questionnaire.
The study is designed to examine whether differences exist in muscle mechanical properties and whether kyphosis severity is associated with asymmetry in viscoelastic muscle characteristics.
Read the detailed description
Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a frequently observed spinal deformity characterized by an excessive posterior curvature of the thoracic spine. Increased kyphotic posture is associated with altered biomechanical loading, postural imbalance, reduced functional capacity, and changes in muscle performance. Although previous studies have largely focused on muscle tightness and postural alignment, limited evidence exists regarding the viscoelastic mechanical properties of trunk muscles in individuals with hyperkyphosis.
The mechanical behavior of skeletal muscle-including tone, stiffness, elasticity, and relaxation properties-reflects neuromuscular adaptation and tissue integrity. Changes in spinal curvature may lead to asymmetrical loading patterns between the anterior and posterior trunk muscles, potentially resulting in measurable differences in muscle viscoelastic characteristics. Understanding these adaptations may provide insight into rehabilitation strategies targeting both anterior and posterior muscle groups.
This comparative study is designed to evaluate and compare the viscoelastic properties of selected trunk muscles in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis and healthy controls. Participants are classified into two groups based on thoracic kyphosis angle measurements: individuals with a kyphosis angle of 50 degrees or greater are assigned to the hyperkyphosis group, while those with an angle below 50 degrees form the control group. The thoracic kyphosis angle is assessed using a flexible ruler method.
Muscle mechanical properties of the upper trapezius, erector spinae, and pectoralis major muscles are assessed bilaterally using a handheld myotonometer device. Parameters recorded include muscle tone (frequency), stiffness, elasticity, and relaxation time. In addition, participants' perception of spinal appearance is evaluated using a kyphosis-specific spinal appearance questionnaire.
The primary objective of the study is to determine whether individuals with hyperkyphosis demonstrate altered or asymmetric viscoelastic muscle properties compared to healthy individuals. A secondary objective is to explore the relationship between kyphosis severity and muscle mechanical characteristics.
The results of this study are expected to provide further information regarding muscular adaptations associated with thoracic hyperkyphosis and to support the development of comprehensive rehabilitation approaches targeting anterior chest and posterior trunk musculature.
- Conditions
- Hyperkyphosis, Viscoelasticity
- Keywords
- viscoelasticity, hyperkyphosis
- Medical subject headings
- Kyphosis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| individuals with hyperkyphosis | thoracic kyphosis angles of ≥ 50◦ hyperkyphosis |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Flexible Ruler
Flexible Ruler The flexible ruler method is a reliable method used to measure cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine curvature. The measurement is taken using a 40 cm long flexible ruler while standing with arms relaxed at the sides, head upright, and eyes looking straight ahead. The C2 and C7 vertebrae are palpated and marked using removable adhesive skin markers. The flexible ruler is then placed over the cervical lordosis between these two points, and markers indicating the location of the C2 and C7 spinous processes are placed on it. The flexible ruler is placed on millimeter paper, and the resulting curve is reflected. A vertical angle is drawn from the peak of the curve to the baseline, and the cervical lordosis deviation angle is determined using an angle-to-angle connection
Measured: 3 months
MyotonPro- Tone
Viscoelastic Properties of Muscles The MyotonPro® device can determine the stiffness, tone, and elasticity properties of muscles. This previously calibrated device creates a mechanical stimulus that induces the damped natural oscillations of the tissues using a 3 mm diameter probe placed perpendicular to the muscle with a non-invasive handheld feature. The resulting oscillations are recorded by an accelerometer. MyotonPro® is a valid and reliable method for determining muscle tone.
Measured: 3 months
Kyphosis-Specific Spine Appearance Questionnaire
Kyphosis-Specific Spine Appearance Questionnaire The Kyphosis-Specific Spine Appearance Questionnaire consisted of 10 items on a Likert scale (1 to 5) regarding patients' perceptions of appearance; higher scores indicated worsening deformity and increased concern about kyphosis-specific appearance. The first item is based on drawings showing varying degrees of severity of hyperkyphosis deformity in the sagittal plane. Questions two through ten are based on textual questions that rate concerns about other aspects of spinal deformity appearance. The total score of the questionnaire is calculated as the average of the ten responses
Measured: 3 months
myoton pro- stiffness
Viscoelastic Properties of Muscles The MyotonPro® device can determine the stiffness, tone, and elasticity properties of muscles. This previously calibrated device creates a mechanical stimulus that induces the damped natural oscillations of the tissues using a 3 mm diameter probe placed perpendicular to the muscle with a non-invasive handheld feature. The resulting oscillations are recorded by an accelerometer. MyotonPro® is a valid and reliable method for determining muscle stiffness.
Measured: 3 months
myoton pro - elasticity
Viscoelastic Properties of Muscles The MyotonPro® device can determine the stiffness, tone, and elasticity properties of muscles. This previously calibrated device creates a mechanical stimulus that induces the damped natural oscillations of the tissues using a 3 mm diameter probe placed perpendicular to the muscle with a non-invasive handheld feature. The resulting oscillations are recorded by an accelerometer. MyotonPro® is a valid and reliable method for determining muscle elasticity.
Measured: 3 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted27 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Nov 2025
- Primary completion15 Dec 2025
- Study completion15 Jan 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for HyperkyphosisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 88 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Sanko University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Hakan Polat, Sanko University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07441213
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- hakanpolat13
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 18 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 27 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Viscoelastic Properties of Superficial Back Muscles: A Comparative Study of Individuals With Hyperkyphosis and Healthy Controls
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07441213
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- hakanpolat13
- Conditions
- Hyperkyphosis, Viscoelasticity
- Keywords
- viscoelasticity, hyperkyphosis
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 88 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Sanko UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 15 Jan 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 27 Feb 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.
Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a common spinal deformity that may alter the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of trunk muscles. This comparative study aims to investigate differences in the mechanical properties of selected back and chest muscles between individuals with hyperkyphosis and healthy controls.
A total of 88 participants will be categorized based on thoracic kyphosis angle (≥50° hyperkyphosis; <50° control). The kyphosis angle will be measured using a flexible ruler method. Muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, and relaxation properties of the trapezius, erector spinae, and pectoralis major muscles will be assessed using a handheld myotonometer. Spinal appearance perception will be evaluated using a kyphosis-specific questionnaire.
The study is designed to examine whether differences exist in muscle mechanical properties and whether kyphosis severity is associated with asymmetry in viscoelastic muscle characteristics.
Detailed description
Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a frequently observed spinal deformity characterized by an excessive posterior curvature of the thoracic spine. Increased kyphotic posture is associated with altered biomechanical loading, postural imbalance, reduced functional capacity, and changes in muscle performance. Although previous studies have largely focused on muscle tightness and postural alignment, limited evidence exists regarding the viscoelastic mechanical properties of trunk muscles in individuals with hyperkyphosis.
The mechanical behavior of skeletal muscle-including tone, stiffness, elasticity, and relaxation properties-reflects neuromuscular adaptation and tissue integrity. Changes in spinal curvature may lead to asymmetrical loading patterns between the anterior and posterior trunk muscles, potentially resulting in measurable differences in muscle viscoelastic characteristics. Understanding these adaptations may provide insight into rehabilitation strategies targeting both anterior and posterior muscle groups.
This comparative study is designed to evaluate and compare the viscoelastic properties of selected trunk muscles in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis and healthy controls. Participants are classified into two groups based on thoracic kyphosis angle measurements: individuals with a kyphosis angle of 50 degrees or greater are assigned to the hyperkyphosis group, while those with an angle below 50 degrees form the control group. The thoracic kyphosis angle is assessed using a flexible ruler method.
Muscle mechanical properties of the upper trapezius, erector spinae, and pectoralis major muscles are assessed bilaterally using a handheld myotonometer device. Parameters recorded include muscle tone (frequency), stiffness, elasticity, and relaxation time. In addition, participants' perception of spinal appearance is evaluated using a kyphosis-specific spinal appearance questionnaire.
The primary objective of the study is to determine whether individuals with hyperkyphosis demonstrate altered or asymmetric viscoelastic muscle properties compared to healthy individuals. A secondary objective is to explore the relationship between kyphosis severity and muscle mechanical characteristics.
The results of this study are expected to provide further information regarding muscular adaptations associated with thoracic hyperkyphosis and to support the development of comprehensive rehabilitation approaches targeting anterior chest and posterior trunk musculature.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| individuals with hyperkyphosis | – | –thoracic kyphosis angles of ≥ 50◦ hyperkyphosis |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- individual with hyperkyphosis
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Individuals with a kyphosis angle of ≥50° and ≤50º were evaluated for eligibility. The inclusion criteria were: having a hyperkyphosis degree of ≥50°, a physiologic curve of the thoracic degree of ≤50º, and voluntarily participating in the study.
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- individuals with scoliosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis, and other congenital spinal problems.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Flexible Ruler
Time frame: 3 months
Flexible Ruler The flexible ruler method is a reliable method used to measure cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine curvature. The measurement is taken using a 40 cm long flexible ruler while standing with arms relaxed at the sides, head upright, and eyes looking straight ahead. The C2 and C7 vertebrae are palpated and marked using removable adhesive skin markers. The flexible ruler is then placed over the cervical lordosis between these two points, and markers indicating the location of the C2 and C7 spinous processes are placed on it. The flexible ruler is placed on millimeter paper, and the resulting curve is reflected. A vertical angle is drawn from the peak of the curve to the baseline, and the cervical lordosis deviation angle is determined using an angle-to-angle connection
MyotonPro- Tone
Time frame: 3 months
Viscoelastic Properties of Muscles The MyotonPro® device can determine the stiffness, tone, and elasticity properties of muscles. This previously calibrated device creates a mechanical stimulus that induces the damped natural oscillations of the tissues using a 3 mm diameter probe placed perpendicular to the muscle with a non-invasive handheld feature. The resulting oscillations are recorded by an accelerometer. MyotonPro® is a valid and reliable method for determining muscle tone.
Kyphosis-Specific Spine Appearance Questionnaire
Time frame: 3 months
Kyphosis-Specific Spine Appearance Questionnaire The Kyphosis-Specific Spine Appearance Questionnaire consisted of 10 items on a Likert scale (1 to 5) regarding patients' perceptions of appearance; higher scores indicated worsening deformity and increased concern about kyphosis-specific appearance. The first item is based on drawings showing varying degrees of severity of hyperkyphosis deformity in the sagittal plane. Questions two through ten are based on textual questions that rate concerns about other aspects of spinal deformity appearance. The total score of the questionnaire is calculated as the average of the ten responses
myoton pro- stiffness
Time frame: 3 months
Viscoelastic Properties of Muscles The MyotonPro® device can determine the stiffness, tone, and elasticity properties of muscles. This previously calibrated device creates a mechanical stimulus that induces the damped natural oscillations of the tissues using a 3 mm diameter probe placed perpendicular to the muscle with a non-invasive handheld feature. The resulting oscillations are recorded by an accelerometer. MyotonPro® is a valid and reliable method for determining muscle stiffness.
myoton pro - elasticity
Time frame: 3 months
Viscoelastic Properties of Muscles The MyotonPro® device can determine the stiffness, tone, and elasticity properties of muscles. This previously calibrated device creates a mechanical stimulus that induces the damped natural oscillations of the tissues using a 3 mm diameter probe placed perpendicular to the muscle with a non-invasive handheld feature. The resulting oscillations are recorded by an accelerometer. MyotonPro® is a valid and reliable method for determining muscle elasticity.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Hyperkyphosis and Viscoelasticity, run by Sanko University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 1 inclusion and 1 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Flexible Ruler (time frame: 3 months). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. 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 27 Feb 2026.