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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07674251

Aquatic vs Mat Pilates for Thoracic Kyphosis in Older Women

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Thoracic Kyphosis

Age range

55 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Municipal Indoor Swimming Pool of Karpenisi

Karpenisi, Evrytania, 36100, Greece

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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

Exclusion criteria

  • 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°)

Treatment and study plan

Aquatic Pilates

Behavioral

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.

Other names: Water-based Pilates

Mat Pilates

Behavioral

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.

Other names: Land-based Pilates

Primary outcomes

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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. 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.

  7. 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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) Score

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks

    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.

  2. PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks

    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.

  3. Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) Score

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks

    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.

  4. Body weight

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks

    Body weight measured in kilograms (kg) using a calibrated scale

  5. Ηeight

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks

    Height measured using a standard wall-mounted height measuring device

  6. Βody Μass Ιndex (BMI)

    Time frame: Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks

    Calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²) (kg/m²)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Athens

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Therapeutic Aquatic Exercise on the Improvement of Respiratory and Functional Capacity in Older Adults With Kyphosis

Acronym: AMPKOW

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jun 29, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 7, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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