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NCT Number: NCT06730269

Face-to-Face Vs. Telerehabilitation for Thoracic Hyperkyphosis in Children: a Clinical Trial

This study evaluates the effectiveness of face-to-face versus telerehabilitation programs for children aged 9-12 with thoracic hyperkyphosis, a condition caused by poor posture that leads to excessive forward curvature of the spine. Twenty children participated in a six-week corrective exercise program, either in person or through an online platform. Both approaches significantly improved spinal posture, back muscle strength, and pain levels, with no notable differences in outcomes between the two methods. The findings suggest that telerehabilitation is as effective as face-to-face rehabilitation, offering a flexible option for managing thoracic hyperkyphosis in children.

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Key information

Conditions

Kyphosis Thoracic Bone Diseases Hyperkyphosis Kyphosis Musculoskeletal Diseases Spinal Curvatures Spinal Diseases

Age range

9 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Medipol University

Istanbul, Kavacık, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Children aged 9-12 years.
  • Diagnosed with thoracic hyperkyphosis (Thoracic Kyphosis Angle > 40 degrees).
  • Able to participate in a 6-week rehabilitation program (face-to-face or telerehabilitation).

Exclusion criteria

  • Children with congenital spinal malformations.
  • Children with mental health issues that could interfere with participation or compliance in the study.

Treatment and study plan

Face-to-Face Rehabilitation Program

Behavioral

The Face-to-Face Rehabilitation Program is a structured rehabilitation regimen designed to improve posture, reduce pain, and strengthen back extensor muscles in children with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Participants in this group engaged in the Thoracic Corrective Exercise Program, which included four specific exercises targeting thoracic spine correction. The exercises were performed three times per week over six weeks, under the direct supervision of a trained therapist. This setup ensured real-time feedback, personalized adjustments, and guidance during each session, optimizing the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process.

Telerehabilitation Program

Behavioral

The Telerehabilitation Program is a structured rehabilitation regimen designed to improve posture, reduce pain, and strengthen back extensor muscles in children with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Participants in this group followed the Thoracic Corrective Exercise Program, which included four specific exercises targeting thoracic spine correction, performed three times per week over six weeks. The program was delivered remotely through the Fiziu platform, allowing therapists to provide virtual guidance, feedback, and monitoring during the sessions. This approach offered flexibility for families and ensured accessibility to rehabilitation services from the comfort of their homes.

Other names: Fiziu Platform Video Based Exercise Group

Primary outcomes

  1. Thoracic Kyphosis Angle (TKA)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    It was measured using a flexicurve ruler to assess the curvature of the thoracic spine before and after the intervention.

    >45° is considered hyperkyphosis

  2. Manual Muscle Test (MMT)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Evaluates back muscle strength before and after the intervention. Minimum = 0 (no muscle contraction), Maximum = 5 (normal muscle strength).

  3. Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Assesses pain levels before and after the intervention. Minimum = 0 (no pain), Maximum = 10 (worst possible pain)

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medipol University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Efficacy of Face-to-Face and Telerehabilitation Approaches in Managing Thoracic Hyperkyphosis Among 9-12-Year-Olds: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2023
First posted
Dec 12, 2024
Registry last updated
Dec 12, 2024

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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