Kyphosis Postural ThoracicNCT07922369
A Comparison of the Effects of Exercise Methods for Adolescent Hyperkyphosis on the Sensorimotor System
A study testing Kyphosis-Specific Schroth Exercise Program and Conventional Exercise Program in people with Kyphosis Postural Thoracic and Kyphosis, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study will compare two home exercise programs for adolescents aged 10-17 years with postural hyperkyphosis: kyphosis-specific Schroth exercises and traditional stretching and strengthening exercises. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 10 to 17 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Kyphosis Postural Thoracic, Kyphosis
- What is being tested?
- Kyphosis-Specific Schroth Exercise Program and Conventional Exercise Program
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 58 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 15 Nov 2026to 15 Jun 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 10 to 17 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Aged 10 through 17 years. Thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle greater than 40° and less than 70° from T4 to T12 on a lateral radiograph.
- Flexible thoracic kyphosis that decreases with active correction on clinical examination.
- Able to understand the exercise instructions and perform the home program. Written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian and written assent from the adolescent.
Who cannot join
- Kyphosis other than postural kyphosis, including Scheuermann disease (at least 5° of wedging in three or more consecutive vertebrae), congenital kyphosis, or other structural or rigid kyphosis.
- Structural scoliosis with a Cobb angle greater than 10°. Previous spinal surgery or major trauma affecting the spine. A diagnosed neurological condition or neurological symptoms that may affect postural control.
- Diagnosed vestibular pathology or a history of vestibular problems, or current vertigo, dizziness, or balance complaints.
- Visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Acute musculoskeletal injury or pain that would prevent assessment or exercise. Participation in physiotherapy or an exercise program for kyphosis within the previous 3 months.
- Previous Schroth exercise training. Current brace treatment. Cognitive impairment that would prevent adherence to the exercise program.
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
Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Istanbul, Bakırköy
Cisemnur Gulnaz, BSc, PT, +905078985406, cisemnurgulnaz@ogr.iuc.edu.tr
Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen, Assoc. Prof.
About this study
Official title: Comparıson Of The Effects Of Schroth And Conventıonal Exercıses On The Sensorımotor System In Adolescents Wıth Hyperkyphosıs
This study will compare two home exercise programs for adolescents aged 10-17 years with postural hyperkyphosis: kyphosis-specific Schroth exercises and traditional stretching and strengthening exercises. It will examine whether one program is more effective at improving the ability to sense and reproduce a corrected upper-back posture. The researchers expect the Schroth program to lead to greater improvement.
Read the detailed description
This study will compare two home-based exercise programs for adolescents aged 10-17 years with postural hyperkyphosis. Participants will follow either kyphosis-specific Schroth exercises or conventional stretching, strengthening, and stabilization exercises for eight weeks, approximately 45 minutes per session, three days a week.
The study will assess whether the programs affect participants' ability to recognize and reproduce a corrected thoracic posture. Other outcomes will include balance, spinal curvature and posture, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, spinal pain, and participants' perceptions of their condition and overall change. Exercise participation, how accurately the exercises are performed, and any adverse events will also be recorded.
- Conditions
- Kyphosis Postural Thoracic, Kyphosis
- Being tested
- Kyphosis-Specific Schroth Exercise Program, Conventional Exercise Program
- Keywords
- Kyphosis, Adolescent, Exercise Therapy, Proprioception, Postural Balance, Sensorimotor Performance, Postural Hyperkyphosis, Schroth Exercises
- Medical subject headings
- Kyphosis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Kyphosis-Specific Schroth Exercise ProgramBehavioural
Participants will perform the program at home 3 days per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes, including a 5-minute warm-up and a 3-minute cool-down. Three face-to-face training sessions will be provided during week 1, followed by face-to-face follow-up visits at the beginning of weeks 3 and 5. The program will have two stages. Participants who meet the prespecified progression criteria will advance to stage 2 at the week 5 follow-up.
Conventional Exercise ProgramBehavioural
Participants will perform the program at home 3 days per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes, including a 5-minute warm-up and a 3-minute cool-down. Three face-to-face training sessions will be provided during week 1, followed by face-to-face follow-up visits at the beginning of weeks 3 and 5. The program will have two stages. Participants who meet the prespecified progression criteria will advance to stage 2 at the week 5 follow-up.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth exercise group | Experimental | This group will perform a kyphosis-specific Schroth exercise program focused on active thoracic posture correction, axial elongation, and corrective breathing. Participants will practice the exercises at home, using a mirror for visual feedback and tactile cues to monitor their posture. Receives: Behavioral: Kyphosis-Specific Schroth Exercise Program |
| Conventional exercise group | Active comparator | This group will perform a conventional exercise program including stretching, scapular retraction, back extensor and trapezius strengthening, and trunk stabilization. The program will not include Schroth-specific active posture correction, corrective breathing, or mirror-based posture feedback. Receives: Behavioral: Conventional Exercise Program |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Thoracic Extension Absolute Repositioning Error
Thoracic position sense will be assessed with dual digital inclinometers placed at T1 and T12. With eyes closed, participants will reproduce a 15° thoracic extension target. The primary measure is the mean absolute difference between the target and reproduced angles across five trials, in degrees; lower values indicate smaller error. Flexion (30°) and right and left lateral flexion (20°) will also be measured as secondary directional outcomes.
Measured: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Secondary outcomes (9)
Balance
Balance will be assessed with the AI Balance system using the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (four eyes-open/eyes-closed conditions on firm and foam surfaces; three 30-second trials per condition) and the Limits of Stability test (weight shifting toward eight targets). Higher sway index values indicate greater sway; higher Limits of Stability scores indicate better performance.
Measured: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Thoracic Curvature
Thoracic curvature will be measured with a Flexicurve ruler from C7 to T12. The kyphosis index will be calculated as the kyphosis apex depth divided by the curve length, multiplied by 100. The values above 13 indicate hyperkyphosis.
Measured: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Sagittal Posture
Sagittal posture will be assessed from a lateral photograph using the PostureScreen Mobile application. Landmark displacement will be recorded in centimeters under standardized camera, posture, clothing, and hair conditions.
Measured: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Muscle Strength
Isometric strength of the trunk flexors and extensors, upper, middle, and lower trapezius, and serratus anterior will be measured using a hand-held dynamometer and the make-test method. Three 5-second contractions will be performed for each muscle group. Mean force will be normalized to body weight and reported in N/kg.
Measured: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Flexibility
Hamstring and lower-back flexibility will be measured with the sit-and-reach test; the maximum distance across three trials will be recorded in centimeters. Pectoralis minor muscle length will be measured bilaterally with a tape measure; the mean of three measurements will be analyzed.
Measured: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Muscle Endurance
Scapular, trunk flexor, and trunk extensor endurance will be assessed using the isometric scapular endurance, McGill trunk flexor endurance, and Biering-Sørensen tests, respectively. The time each position is maintained without compensation will be recorded in seconds. Each test will be performed once, with at least 5 minutes of rest between tests.
Measured: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Spinal Pain
Resting, activity-related, and nocturnal spinal pain during the previous week will be rated on a 0-10 cm Visual Analog Scale, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst possible pain.
Measured: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Deformity Perception
Deformity perception will be assessed with the Turkish version of the Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire. The 10-item questionnaire is scored from 1 to 5; the mean item score will be analyzed. Higher scores indicate a more negative perception of spinal appearance.
Measured: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Perceived Global Change
Overall perceived change will be assessed using the 7-point Global Rating of Change scale, from -3 (much worse) to +3 (much better), with 0 indicating no change. Scores of +2 or +3 will indicate a clinically meaningful perceived improvement.
Measured: At the end of Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Nov 2026
- Study start15 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion15 May 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion15 Jun 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Kyphosis Postural ThoracicStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Istanbul University - CerrahpasaThe 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
- Participants are randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: kyphosis-specific Schroth exercises or conventional stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 58 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Ayse Zengin Alpozgen, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07922369
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- IstanbulUC-FTR-CG-01
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Nov 2026
- Last updated
- 6 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Cakir B, Ozdemi̇r Gorgu S. Associations between postural kyphosis and tactile sensation, proprioception, and body image in young individuals: an analytical cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2026 Apr 9;27(1):425. doi: 10.1186/s12891-026-09800-2.
PubMed 41957780Elpeze G, Usgu G. The Effect of a Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program on Kyphosis Angle and Balance in Kyphotic Adolescents. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Dec 8;10(12):2478. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10122478.
PubMed 36554002Ozdemir Gorgu S, Algun ZC. A randomized controlled study of the effect of functional exercises on postural kyphosis: Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises versus postural corrective exercises. Disabil Rehabil. 2023 Jun;45(12):1992-2002. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2083244. Epub 2022 Jun 12.
PubMed 35694970Akyurek E, Zengin Alpozgen A, Akgul T. The preliminary results of physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises on spine joint position sense in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2022 Oct 1;46(5):510-517. doi: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000136. Epub 2022 Jun 7.
PubMed 36215059
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparıson Of The Effects Of Schroth And Conventıonal Exercıses On The Sensorımotor System In Adolescents Wıth Hyperkyphosıs
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07922369
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IstanbulUC-FTR-CG-01
- Conditions
- Kyphosis Postural Thoracic, Kyphosis
- Keywords
- Kyphosis, Adolescent, Exercise Therapy, Proprioception, Postural Balance, Sensorimotor Performance, Postural Hyperkyphosis, Schroth Exercises
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 58 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul University - CerrahpasaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 15 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 15 May 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 15 Jun 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Nov 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 compare two home exercise programs for adolescents aged 10-17 years with postural hyperkyphosis: kyphosis-specific Schroth exercises and traditional stretching and strengthening exercises. It will examine whether one program is more effective at improving the ability to sense and reproduce a corrected upper-back posture. The researchers expect the Schroth program to lead to greater improvement.
Detailed description
This study will compare two home-based exercise programs for adolescents aged 10-17 years with postural hyperkyphosis. Participants will follow either kyphosis-specific Schroth exercises or conventional stretching, strengthening, and stabilization exercises for eight weeks, approximately 45 minutes per session, three days a week.
The study will assess whether the programs affect participants' ability to recognize and reproduce a corrected thoracic posture. Other outcomes will include balance, spinal curvature and posture, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility, spinal pain, and participants' perceptions of their condition and overall change. Exercise participation, how accurately the exercises are performed, and any adverse events will also be recorded.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups: kyphosis-specific Schroth exercises or conventional stretching and strengthening exercises.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth exercise group | Experimental | Behavioral: Kyphosis-Specific Schroth Exercise ProgramThis group will perform a kyphosis-specific Schroth exercise program focused on active thoracic posture correction, axial elongation, and corrective breathing. Participants will practice the exercises at home, using a mirror for visual feedback and tactile cues to monitor their posture. |
| Conventional exercise group | Active comparator | Behavioral: Conventional Exercise ProgramThis group will perform a conventional exercise program including stretching, scapular retraction, back extensor and trapezius strengthening, and trunk stabilization. The program will not include Schroth-specific active posture correction, corrective breathing, or mirror-based posture feedback. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 10 to 17 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Aged 10 through 17 years. Thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle greater than 40° and less than 70° from T4 to T12 on a lateral radiograph.
- Flexible thoracic kyphosis that decreases with active correction on clinical examination.
- Able to understand the exercise instructions and perform the home program. Written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian and written assent from the adolescent.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Kyphosis other than postural kyphosis, including Scheuermann disease (at least 5° of wedging in three or more consecutive vertebrae), congenital kyphosis, or other structural or rigid kyphosis.
- Structural scoliosis with a Cobb angle greater than 10°. Previous spinal surgery or major trauma affecting the spine. A diagnosed neurological condition or neurological symptoms that may affect postural control.
- Diagnosed vestibular pathology or a history of vestibular problems, or current vertigo, dizziness, or balance complaints.
- Visual impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Acute musculoskeletal injury or pain that would prevent assessment or exercise. Participation in physiotherapy or an exercise program for kyphosis within the previous 3 months.
- Previous Schroth exercise training. Current brace treatment. Cognitive impairment that would prevent adherence to the exercise program.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Kyphosis-Specific Schroth Exercise ProgramParticipants will perform the program at home 3 days per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes, including a 5-minute warm-up and a 3-minute cool-down. Three face-to-face training sessions will be provided during week 1, followed by face-to-face follow-up visits at the beginning of weeks 3 and 5. The program will have two stages. Participants who meet the prespecified progression criteria will advance to stage 2 at the week 5 follow-up. | Behavioural | Schroth exercise group |
| Conventional Exercise ProgramParticipants will perform the program at home 3 days per week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes, including a 5-minute warm-up and a 3-minute cool-down. Three face-to-face training sessions will be provided during week 1, followed by face-to-face follow-up visits at the beginning of weeks 3 and 5. The program will have two stages. Participants who meet the prespecified progression criteria will advance to stage 2 at the week 5 follow-up. | Behavioural | Conventional exercise group |
Primary outcome
Thoracic Extension Absolute Repositioning Error
Time frame: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Thoracic position sense will be assessed with dual digital inclinometers placed at T1 and T12. With eyes closed, participants will reproduce a 15° thoracic extension target. The primary measure is the mean absolute difference between the target and reproduced angles across five trials, in degrees; lower values indicate smaller error. Flexion (30°) and right and left lateral flexion (20°) will also be measured as secondary directional outcomes.
9 secondary outcomes
Balance
Time frame: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Thoracic Curvature
Time frame: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Sagittal Posture
Time frame: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Muscle Strength
Time frame: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Flexibility
Time frame: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Muscle Endurance
Time frame: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Spinal Pain
Time frame: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Deformity Perception
Time frame: At baseline and at the end of Week 8
Perceived Global Change
Time frame: At the end of Week 8
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 6 Nov 2026.
- Background: PubMed 41957780Cakir B, Ozdemi̇r Gorgu S. Associations between postural kyphosis and tactile sensation, proprioception, and body image in young individuals: an analytical cross-sectional study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2026 Apr 9;27(1):425. doi: 10.1186/s12891-026-09800-2.
- Background: PubMed 36554002Elpeze G, Usgu G. The Effect of a Comprehensive Corrective Exercise Program on Kyphosis Angle and Balance in Kyphotic Adolescents. Healthcare (Basel). 2022 Dec 8;10(12):2478. doi: 10.3390/healthcare10122478.
- Background: PubMed 35694970Ozdemir Gorgu S, Algun ZC. A randomized controlled study of the effect of functional exercises on postural kyphosis: Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises versus postural corrective exercises. Disabil Rehabil. 2023 Jun;45(12):1992-2002. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2083244. Epub 2022 Jun 12.
- Background: PubMed 36215059Akyurek E, Zengin Alpozgen A, Akgul T. The preliminary results of physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises on spine joint position sense in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A randomized controlled trial. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2022 Oct 1;46(5):510-517. doi: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000136. Epub 2022 Jun 7.
- 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.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Kyphosis-Specific Schroth Exercise Program and Conventional Exercise Program in people with Kyphosis Postural Thoracic and Kyphosis, run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa 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 5 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 6 Nov 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?
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 Cisemnur Gulnaz, Physiotherapist (+905078985406, cisemnurgulnaz@ogr.iuc.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Thoracic Extension Absolute Repositioning Error (time frame: At baseline and at the end of Week 8). 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 NCT07922369, which also lists 4 linked publications.
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 6 Nov 2026.