Thoracic KyphosisAMPKOWNCT07674251
Aquatic vs Mat Pilates for Thoracic Kyphosis in Older Women
A study testing Aquatic Pilates and Mat Pilates in people with Thoracic Kyphosis, run by University of Athens at 1 site in Greece.
Trial summary
This study is a comparative interventional trial designed to evaluate the effects of Aquatic Pilates versus Mat Pilates on respiratory function, functional capacity, quality of life, and thoracic kyphosis in older women. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 55 to 65 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Thoracic Kyphosis
- What is being tested?
- Aquatic Pilates and Mat Pilates
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGreece
- Study dates
- 2 Jan 2025to 27 Mar 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- 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 55 to 65 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Female participants
- Αge 55-65 years
- Clinical diagnosis of thoracic kyphosis
- Thoracic kyphosis angle between 26° and 46°
- Ability to participate in exercise program
- Ability to provide written informed consent
Who cannot join
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cardiovascular disease
- History of spinal surgery
- History of lower limb surgery
- Recent fractures within the past 6 months
- Severe hyperkyphosis (>46°)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Greece1 site
Municipal Indoor Swimming Pool of Karpenisi
Karpenisi, Evrytania, 36100
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise on the Improvement of Respiratory and Functional Capacity in Older Adults With Kyphosis
This study is a comparative interventional trial designed to evaluate the effects of Aquatic Pilates versus Mat Pilates on respiratory function, functional capacity, quality of life, and thoracic kyphosis in older women. Thoracic kyphosis is a common postural deviation in older adults that may negatively affect respiratory mechanics, physical performance, and quality of life.
Participants were allocated into four groups and assessed at three time points: baseline (pre-intervention), after 6 weeks of intervention, and immediately following the completion of a 12-week exercise program. Outcome measures included anthropometric characteristics (height, body weight, and body mass index), degree of thoracic kyphosis, respiratory function assessed via spirometric testing, functional capacity evaluated using standardized physical performance tests, and quality of life.
The intervention programs consisted of structured Aquatic Pilates and Mat Pilates protocols designed to improve postural alignment, respiratory efficiency, functional ability, and overall quality of life. The objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of Aquatic Pilates versus Mat Pilates on respiratory, functional, and quality-of-life outcomes in older women with thoracic kyphosis.
- Conditions
- Thoracic Kyphosis
- Being tested
- Aquatic Pilates, Mat Pilates
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Aquatic PilatesBehavioural
Also called Water-based Pilates
A structured 12-week Aquatic Pilates exercise program consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly. The intervention involved controlled exercise in a water environment utilizing buoyancy and hydrostatic resistance.
Mat PilatesBehavioural
Also called Land-based Pilates
A structured 12-week Mat Pilates exercise program consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly. The intervention was conducted on land using a mat-based Pilates protocol focusing on controlled movement and postural control.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic Pilates Group | Experimental | Participants completed a structured Aquatic Pilates exercise program over 12 weeks, consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Exercise intensity was maintained at a light-to-moderate level according to established guidelines (ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 2018). The program focused on core stabilization, postural alignment, spinal control, and coordinated breathing patterns. Exercises were performed in a water environment, utilizing buoyancy and hydrostatic resistance. Receives: Behavioral: Aquatic Pilates |
| Mat Pilates Group | Experimental | Participants completed a structured Mat Pilates exercise program over 12 weeks, consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Exercise intensity was maintained at a light-to-moderate level according to established guidelines (ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 2018). The program focused on core stabilization, postural alignment, spinal control, and coordinated breathing patterns. Exercises were performed on land using a mat-based Pilates protocol. Receives: Behavioral: Mat Pilates |
| Kyphosis Control Group | No intervention | Participants with thoracic kyphosis did not receive any structured exercise intervention and were instructed to maintain their usual daily activities throughout the 12-week study period. They were assessed at the same time points as the intervention groups. |
| Healthy Control Group | No intervention | Healthy older adults without thoracic kyphosis did not participate in any structured exercise program and maintained their usual daily activities during the study period. They were included as a reference comparison group and assessed at identical time points as the other groups. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Vital Capacity (VC)
Vital Capacity (VC) measured by spirometry using the SPIROANALYZER ST-95 spirometer. VC is reported in liters (L). Higher values indicate better pulmonary function.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) measured by spirometry using the SPIROANALYZER ST-95 spirometer. FVC is reported in liters (L). Higher values indicate better pulmonary function.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle
Thoracic kyphosis angle measured using a kyphometer between T2 and T12 vertebrae. Results are reported in degrees (°). Lower values indicate reduced thoracic kyphosis.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Time required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, return, and sit down. Measured in seconds. Lower scores indicate better mobility and functional performance.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
4-Meter Gait Speed Test
Gait speed calculated over a 4-meter walking distance and reported in meters per second (m/s). Higher scores indicate better walking performance.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Total distance walked during the 6-minute walk test. Reported in meters (m). Higher scores indicate better aerobic capacity and endurance.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT) Score
Functional performance assessed using the Modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT). Higher scores indicate better functional capacity and physical performance.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Secondary outcomes (6)
Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) Score
Health-related quality of life assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2
Health-related quality of life assessed using the PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2. Results are reported as T-scores with a population mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10. Higher scores indicate better perceived health status.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) Score
Physical activity assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Total scores typically range from 0 to over 400, with higher scores indicating greater levels of physical activity.
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Body weight
Body weight measured in kilograms (kg) using a calibrated scale
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Ηeight
Height measured using a standard wall-mounted height measuring device
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Βody Μass Ιndex (BMI)
Calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²) (kg/m²)
Measured: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Jun 2026
- Study start2 Jan 2025
- Primary completion27 Mar 2025
- Study completion27 Mar 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Thoracic KyphosisStudies 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
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Athens
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, PARASKEVI PASSA, University of Athens
- Investigators
- HELEN SOULTANAKIS, Dr, Study director, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Physical Education and Sport Science
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07674251
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AQUA-PILATES-KYPHOSIS-2025-01
- Acronym
- AMPKOW
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 13 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 7 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Passa P, Paschalis V, Gioftsidou A, Soultanakis H. Aquatic Pilates Is Associated with Improved Spinal Alignment and Functional Performance in Women Aged 55-65 Years with Thoracic Kyphosis. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2026 Sep 16;11(3):371. doi: 10.3390/jfmk11030371.
PubMed 42783665
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise on the Improvement of Respiratory and Functional Capacity in Older Adults With Kyphosis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07674251
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AMPKOW / AQUA-PILATES-KYPHOSIS-2025-01
- Conditions
- Thoracic Kyphosis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of AthensUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 2 Jan 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 27 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 27 Mar 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Jun 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 is a comparative interventional trial designed to evaluate the effects of Aquatic Pilates versus Mat Pilates on respiratory function, functional capacity, quality of life, and thoracic kyphosis in older women. Thoracic kyphosis is a common postural deviation in older adults that may negatively affect respiratory mechanics, physical performance, and quality of life.
Participants were allocated into four groups and assessed at three time points: baseline (pre-intervention), after 6 weeks of intervention, and immediately following the completion of a 12-week exercise program. Outcome measures included anthropometric characteristics (height, body weight, and body mass index), degree of thoracic kyphosis, respiratory function assessed via spirometric testing, functional capacity evaluated using standardized physical performance tests, and quality of life.
The intervention programs consisted of structured Aquatic Pilates and Mat Pilates protocols designed to improve postural alignment, respiratory efficiency, functional ability, and overall quality of life. The objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of Aquatic Pilates versus Mat Pilates on respiratory, functional, and quality-of-life outcomes in older women with thoracic kyphosis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic Pilates Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Aquatic PilatesParticipants completed a structured Aquatic Pilates exercise program over 12 weeks, consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Exercise intensity was maintained at a light-to-moderate level according to established guidelines (ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 2018). The program focused on core stabilization, postural alignment, spinal control, and coordinated breathing patterns. Exercises were performed in a water environment, utilizing buoyancy and hydrostatic resistance. |
| Mat Pilates Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Mat PilatesParticipants completed a structured Mat Pilates exercise program over 12 weeks, consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Exercise intensity was maintained at a light-to-moderate level according to established guidelines (ACSM Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 2018). The program focused on core stabilization, postural alignment, spinal control, and coordinated breathing patterns. Exercises were performed on land using a mat-based Pilates protocol. |
| Kyphosis Control Group | No intervention | –Participants with thoracic kyphosis did not receive any structured exercise intervention and were instructed to maintain their usual daily activities throughout the 12-week study period. They were assessed at the same time points as the intervention groups. |
| Healthy Control Group | No intervention | –Healthy older adults without thoracic kyphosis did not participate in any structured exercise program and maintained their usual daily activities during the study period. They were included as a reference comparison group and assessed at identical time points as the other groups. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 55 to 65 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Female participants
- Αge 55-65 years
- Clinical diagnosis of thoracic kyphosis
- Thoracic kyphosis angle between 26° and 46°
- Ability to participate in exercise program
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cardiovascular disease
- History of spinal surgery
- History of lower limb surgery
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aquatic PilatesAlso: Water-based PilatesA structured 12-week Aquatic Pilates exercise program consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly. The intervention involved controlled exercise in a water environment utilizing buoyancy and hydrostatic resistance. | Behavioural | Aquatic Pilates Group |
| Mat PilatesAlso: Land-based PilatesA structured 12-week Mat Pilates exercise program consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly. The intervention was conducted on land using a mat-based Pilates protocol focusing on controlled movement and postural control. | Behavioural | Mat Pilates Group |
Primary outcome
Vital Capacity (VC)
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Vital Capacity (VC) measured by spirometry using the SPIROANALYZER ST-95 spirometer. VC is reported in liters (L). Higher values indicate better pulmonary function.
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) measured by spirometry using the SPIROANALYZER ST-95 spirometer. FVC is reported in liters (L). Higher values indicate better pulmonary function.
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Thoracic kyphosis angle measured using a kyphometer between T2 and T12 vertebrae. Results are reported in degrees (°). Lower values indicate reduced thoracic kyphosis.
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Time required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, return, and sit down. Measured in seconds. Lower scores indicate better mobility and functional performance.
4-Meter Gait Speed Test
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Gait speed calculated over a 4-meter walking distance and reported in meters per second (m/s). Higher scores indicate better walking performance.
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Total distance walked during the 6-minute walk test. Reported in meters (m). Higher scores indicate better aerobic capacity and endurance.
Modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT) Score
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Functional performance assessed using the Modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT). Higher scores indicate better functional capacity and physical performance.
6 secondary outcomes
Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) Score
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) Score
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Body weight
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Ηeight
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
Βody Μass Ιndex (BMI)
Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks
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 7 Jul 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42783665Passa P, Paschalis V, Gioftsidou A, Soultanakis H. Aquatic Pilates Is Associated with Improved Spinal Alignment and Functional Performance in Women Aged 55-65 Years with Thoracic Kyphosis. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2026 Sep 16;11(3):371. doi: 10.3390/jfmk11030371.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
HELEN SOULTANAKIS, Dr study director
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Physical Education and Sport Science
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Aquatic Pilates and Mat Pilates in people with Thoracic Kyphosis, run by University of Athens at 1 site in Greece.
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 6 inclusion and 7 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 7 Jul 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 Greece. 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?
Vital Capacity (VC) (time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07674251, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 7 Jul 2026.