Thoracic HyperkyphosisNCT07888790
Kinesio Taping in Young Adults With Thoracic Hyperkyphosis
A study testing Kinesiology Taping in people with Thoracic Hyperkyphosis, run by Istinye University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a postural disorder characterized by excessive thoracic curvature exceeding 40°, which may negatively affect proprioception, postural alignment, and muscle mechanical properties. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 35 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Thoracic Hyperkyphosis
- What is being tested?
- Kinesiology Taping
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 20 Oct 2026to 15 Jan 2027
- 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 35 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Thoracic kyphosis angle (Cobb) on lateral radiograph: ≥40˚ - <70˚
- Young adults aged 18-35
- Volunteering to participate in the study
Who cannot join
- Individuals with congenital or rigid deformities/anomalies in the spinal region
- Individuals who have undergone major surgery or trauma related to the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spinal region
- Individuals who have received physiotherapeutic intervention in the spinal region within the last 6 months
- Individuals who use a corset
- Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30
- Those who have difficulty understanding the given commands
Show all 11Show fewer
- Those with systemic diseases (Diabetes, hypothyroidism, infection, malignancy...)
- Those with neurological diseases
- Those with rheumatic diseases in the active phase
- Allergy to the tape material
- Pregnancy
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Istinye University
Istanbul, 34010
Kubra Kardes, Asst.Prof, 05387115631, kubrakoce@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Immediate Effect of Kinesio Taping on Postural Alignment, Muscle Mechanical Properties, and Proprioception in Young Adults With Thoracic Hyperkyphosis
Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a postural disorder characterized by excessive thoracic curvature exceeding 40°, which may negatively affect proprioception, postural alignment, and muscle mechanical properties. Kinesiology taping (KT) has been proposed as a non-invasive intervention to improve postural control and proprioceptive feedback through cutaneous mechanoreceptor stimulation. However, evidence regarding its immediate effects on thoracic proprioception and muscle mechanical properties in young adults with thoracic hyperkyphosis remains limited.
This sham-controlled randomized clinical trial aims to investigate the immediate effects of kinesiology taping on thoracic joint position sense, postural alignment, and muscle mechanical properties in young adults with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity will be assessed using MyotonPRO, alongside measurements of thoracic proprioception and postural alignment.
The study will compare kinesiology taping with sham taping to determine whether kinesiology taping produces greater immediate improvements in these outcomes. The findings are expected to provide further evidence regarding the short-term sensorimotor and biomechanical effects of kinesiology taping in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis.
- Conditions
- Thoracic Hyperkyphosis
- Being tested
- Kinesiology Taping, Sham Taping
- Keywords
- Thoracic Hyperkyphosis, Mechanical Properties of Muscle, Proprioception
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kinesiology TapingOther
Application of elastic, latex-free kinesiology tape to the thoracic paraspinal and scapular retractor muscles using standardized facilitation techniques with 25-50% tape tension. The intervention aims to improve thoracic proprioception, postural alignment, and muscle mechanical properties.
Sham TapingOther
Application of elastic tape to the same anatomical regions without tension (0%) or functional directional guidance. This procedure serves as a sham comparator to control for nonspecific effects of tape application.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Study Group | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive kinesiology taping using elastic, latex-free tape targeting the thoracic paraspinal muscles (thoracic erector spinae), middle trapezius, and rhomboid muscles. Following skin preparation, taping will be applied bilaterally along the thoracic paraspinal muscles using a facilitation technique, with participants seated in slight thoracic extension. I-shaped or Y-shaped tape strips will be applied to facilitate scapular retraction. Tape tension will be standardized between 25% and 50%. Immediate effects will be assessed following the intervention. Receives: Other: Kinesiology Taping |
| Control Group | Sham comparator | Yazma
Participants in this group will receive sham taping over the same anatomical regions as the experimental group, including the thoracic paraspinal muscles and scapular retractors. The tape will be applied without tension (0%) and without any specific muscle facilitation or functional directional guidance. The tape will be placed on the skin solely to simulate the taping procedure and control for potential placebo effects. Immediate effects will be assessed following the intervention. Receives: Other: Sham Taping |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Thoracic Joint Position Sense
Thoracic proprioception will be assessed using a joint position reproduction test. Participants will actively reproduce a target position corresponding to 50% of their maximum thoracic extension with their eyes closed. The absolute angular error (degrees) between the target and reproduced position will be measured using an inclinometer positioned at the T4 vertebral level. Three trials will be performed, and the mean absolute error will be recorded. Lower values indicate better proprioceptive accuracy.
Measured: 4 weeks
Muscle Tone
Muscle tone will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device by measuring oscillation frequency (Hz). Measurements will be obtained from the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, thoracic erector spinae, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor muscles at standardized anatomical locations.
Measured: 4 weeks
Muscle Stiffness
Dynamic muscle stiffness will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device and expressed in Newtons per meter (N/m). Measurements will be performed at standardized anatomical locations in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, thoracic erector spinae, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor muscles.
Measured: 4 weeks
Muscle Elasticity
Muscle elasticity will be evaluated using the MyotonPRO device through logarithmic decrement, a dimensionless parameter reflecting the dissipation of mechanical oscillations. Lower logarithmic decrement values indicate greater muscle elasticity. Measurements will be obtained from the selected cervical, thoracic, and shoulder girdle muscles.
Measured: 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Thoracic Kyphosis
Thoracic kyphosis will be assessed using the Flexicurve method. The spinal curvature between C7 and T12 will be recorded in a standardized standing position, and the thoracic kyphosis angle (degrees) or kyphosis index will be calculated using standardized procedures. Lower values indicate reduced thoracic kyphosis.
Measured: 4 weeks
Craniovertebral Angle
The craniovertebral angle will be measured using standardized lateral digital photographs obtained in a natural standing posture. The angle (degrees) between a horizontal line through C7 and a line connecting C7 to the tragus will be calculated. Higher values indicate improved head and cervical postural alignment.
Measured: 4 weeks
Wall-to-Occiput Distance
Wall-to-occiput distance will be measured in centimeters while participants stand against a wall in a standardized position, maintaining a neutral head posture. The distance between the occiput and the wall will be measured three times, and the mean value will be recorded. Lower values indicate improved sagittal postural alignment.
Measured: 4 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted22 Oct 2026
- Study start20 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion15 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Jan 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Thoracic HyperkyphosisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Istinye 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
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istinye University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, YOUSR ATEF HUSSEN MOHAMED ZAKI, Istinye University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07888790
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2026/127
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 16 Oct 2026
- Last updated
- 27 Oct 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Oct 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Immediate Effect of Kinesio Taping on Postural Alignment, Muscle Mechanical Properties, and Proprioception in Young Adults With Thoracic Hyperkyphosis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07888790
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2026/127
- Conditions
- Thoracic Hyperkyphosis
- Keywords
- Thoracic Hyperkyphosis, Mechanical Properties of Muscle, Proprioception
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Istinye UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 15 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Jan 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 22 Oct 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 postural disorder characterized by excessive thoracic curvature exceeding 40°, which may negatively affect proprioception, postural alignment, and muscle mechanical properties. Kinesiology taping (KT) has been proposed as a non-invasive intervention to improve postural control and proprioceptive feedback through cutaneous mechanoreceptor stimulation. However, evidence regarding its immediate effects on thoracic proprioception and muscle mechanical properties in young adults with thoracic hyperkyphosis remains limited.
This sham-controlled randomized clinical trial aims to investigate the immediate effects of kinesiology taping on thoracic joint position sense, postural alignment, and muscle mechanical properties in young adults with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity will be assessed using MyotonPRO, alongside measurements of thoracic proprioception and postural alignment.
The study will compare kinesiology taping with sham taping to determine whether kinesiology taping produces greater immediate improvements in these outcomes. The findings are expected to provide further evidence regarding the short-term sensorimotor and biomechanical effects of kinesiology taping in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Study Group | Experimental | Other: Kinesiology TapingParticipants in this group will receive kinesiology taping using elastic, latex-free tape targeting the thoracic paraspinal muscles (thoracic erector spinae), middle trapezius, and rhomboid muscles. Following skin preparation, taping will be applied bilaterally along the thoracic paraspinal muscles using a facilitation technique, with participants seated in slight thoracic extension. I-shaped or Y-shaped tape strips will be applied to facilitate scapular retraction. Tape tension will be standardized between 25% and 50%. Immediate effects will be assessed following the intervention. |
| Control Group | Sham comparator | Other: Sham TapingYazma Participants in this group will receive sham taping over the same anatomical regions as the experimental group, including the thoracic paraspinal muscles and scapular retractors. The tape will be applied without tension (0%) and without any specific muscle facilitation or functional directional guidance. The tape will be placed on the skin solely to simulate the taping procedure and control for potential placebo effects. Immediate effects will be assessed following the intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Thoracic kyphosis angle (Cobb) on lateral radiograph: ≥40˚ - <70˚
- Young adults aged 18-35
- Volunteering to participate in the study
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Individuals with congenital or rigid deformities/anomalies in the spinal region
- Individuals who have undergone major surgery or trauma related to the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spinal region
- Individuals who have received physiotherapeutic intervention in the spinal region within the last 6 months
- Individuals who use a corset
- Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kinesiology TapingApplication of elastic, latex-free kinesiology tape to the thoracic paraspinal and scapular retractor muscles using standardized facilitation techniques with 25-50% tape tension. The intervention aims to improve thoracic proprioception, postural alignment, and muscle mechanical properties. | Other | Study Group |
| Sham TapingApplication of elastic tape to the same anatomical regions without tension (0%) or functional directional guidance. This procedure serves as a sham comparator to control for nonspecific effects of tape application. | Other | Control Group |
Primary outcome
Thoracic Joint Position Sense
Time frame: 4 weeks
Thoracic proprioception will be assessed using a joint position reproduction test. Participants will actively reproduce a target position corresponding to 50% of their maximum thoracic extension with their eyes closed. The absolute angular error (degrees) between the target and reproduced position will be measured using an inclinometer positioned at the T4 vertebral level. Three trials will be performed, and the mean absolute error will be recorded. Lower values indicate better proprioceptive accuracy.
Muscle Tone
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle tone will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device by measuring oscillation frequency (Hz). Measurements will be obtained from the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, thoracic erector spinae, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor muscles at standardized anatomical locations.
Muscle Stiffness
Time frame: 4 weeks
Dynamic muscle stiffness will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device and expressed in Newtons per meter (N/m). Measurements will be performed at standardized anatomical locations in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, thoracic erector spinae, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor muscles.
Muscle Elasticity
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle elasticity will be evaluated using the MyotonPRO device through logarithmic decrement, a dimensionless parameter reflecting the dissipation of mechanical oscillations. Lower logarithmic decrement values indicate greater muscle elasticity. Measurements will be obtained from the selected cervical, thoracic, and shoulder girdle muscles.
3 secondary outcomes
Thoracic Kyphosis
Time frame: 4 weeks
Craniovertebral Angle
Time frame: 4 weeks
Wall-to-Occiput Distance
Time frame: 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 27 Oct 2026.
Related trials for Thoracic Hyperkyphosis
Not yet recruiting
A Comparison of the Effects of Exercise Methods for Adolescent Hyperkyphosis on the Sensorimotor System
Kyphosis Postural Thoracic, Kyphosis
RecruitingObservational study
Posture, Proprioception, Core Stability, and Balance in Weightlifters
Balance Assessment, Kyphosis Postural Thoracic
Recruiting
Effects of a Wearable Device ,Phone App and Exercise on Cervico-thoracic Posture in University Students.
Forward Head Posture
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Postoperative and Chronic Pain Genetic Spine and Pectus Surgery Study
Scoliosis, Kyphosis
Recruiting
Efficacy of Spinal Orthoses on Mobility in Older Adults With Hyperkyphosis
Hyperkyphosis
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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kinesiology Taping in people with Thoracic Hyperkyphosis, run by Istinye 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 3 inclusion and 11 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Oct 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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 Kubra Kardes, Asst. Prof. (05387115631, kubrakoce@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Thoracic Joint Position Sense (time frame: 4 weeks). The study lists 4 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 Oct 2026.