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NCT Number: NCT07142538

the Tone and Viscoelastic Properties of Back Muscles in Thoracic Kyphosis

The thoracic curvature of the spinal column occurs in the sagittal plane. While the normal thoracic kyphosis angle of the spine is 20-40°, an angle of 45-50° is referred to as postural kyphosis, increased kyphosis, or hyperkyphosis. The strength of the central and deep back muscles of the trunk controls spinal stability and intervertebral movements in dynamic situations. This ensures that thoracic curvature is maintained within normal physiological limits.

Increased kyphosis can result from poor postural habits, prolonged computer use, trunk asymmetry, and muscle weakness. Studies have reported an increase in thoracic kyphosis, postural deviations in the trunk, and changes in shoulder and head positions as a result of weakening of the back muscles. Corrective exercise programmes aimed at strengthening the back muscles are frequently used in the treatment of thoracic kyphosis. The effects of exercise programmes on muscle strength, endurance, and kyphosis angle have been investigated. However, there are few studies examining the effects of corrective exercise programmes on muscle tone and viscoelastic properties in the back muscles. In our study, we aim to investigate the effects of an 8-week corrective exercise programme on the tone and viscoelastic properties of the back muscles in individuals with thoracic kyphosis and to propose its inclusion as a contemporary approach in clinical treatment protocols.

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Key information

Conditions

Exercise Behavior Bone Diseases Kyphosis Motor Activity Musculoskeletal Diseases Spinal Curvatures Spinal Diseases

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

SANKO University

Gaziantep, 27090, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The thoracic curvature of the spinal column occurs in the sagittal plane. While the normal thoracic kyphosis angle of the spine is 20-40°, an angle of 45-50° is referred to as postural kyphosis, increased kyphosis, or hyperkyphosis. The strength of the central and deep back muscles of the trunk controls spinal stability and intervertebral movements in dynamic situations. This ensures that thoracic curvature is maintained within normal physiological limits.

Increased kyphosis can result from poor postural habits, prolonged computer use, trunk asymmetry, and muscle weakness. Studies have reported an increase in thoracic kyphosis, postural deviations in the trunk, and changes in shoulder and head positions as a result of weakening of the back muscles. Corrective exercise programmes aimed at strengthening the back muscles are frequently used in the treatment of thoracic kyphosis. The effects of exercise programmes on muscle strength, endurance, and kyphosis angle have been investigated. However, there are few studies examining the effects of corrective exercise programmes on muscle tone and viscoelastic properties in the back muscles. In our study, we aim to investigate the effects of an 8-week corrective exercise programme on the tone and viscoelastic properties of the back muscles in individuals with thoracic kyphosis and to propose its inclusion as a contemporary approach in clinical treatment protocols.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • having a kyphosis degree of ≥50° in individuals with thoracic kyphosis and voluntarily participating in the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • individuals with scoliosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis, and other congenital spinal problems.

Treatment and study plan

Exercises

Other

Exercise training was provided to both groups.

Primary outcomes

  1. The MyotonPro

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    device can determine the stiffness, tone, and elasticity properties of muscles. This previously calibrated device creates a mechanical stimulus that induces the damped natural oscillations of the tissues using a 3 mm diameter probe placed perpendicular to the muscle with a non-invasive handheld feature. The resulting oscillations are recorded by an accelerometer. MyotonPro® is a valid and reliable method for determining muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity, and it also offers high test-retest reliability and reproducibility .

  2. Flexible Ruler:

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The flexible ruler method is a reliable method used to measure cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine curvature. The measurement is taken using a 40 cm long flexible ruler while standing with arms relaxed at the sides, head upright, and eyes looking straight ahead. The C2 and C7 vertebrae are palpated and marked using removable adhesive skin markers. The flexible ruler is then placed over the cervical lordosis between these two points, and markers indicating the location of the C2 and C7 spinous processes are placed on it. The flexible ruler is placed on millimeter paper, and the resulting curve is reflected. A vertical angle is drawn from the peak of the curve to the baseline, and the cervical lordosis deviation angle is determined using an angle-to-angle connection

  3. Kyphosis-Specific Spine Appearance Questionnaire

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The Kyphosis-Specific Spine Appearance Questionnaire consisted of 10 items on a Likert scale (1 to 5) regarding patients' perceptions of appearance; higher scores indicated worsening deformity and increased concern about kyphosis-specific appearance. The first item is based on drawings showing varying degrees of severity of hyperkyphosis deformity in the sagittal plane. Questions two through ten are based on textual questions that rate concerns about other aspects of spinal deformity appearance. The total score of the questionnaire is calculated as the average of the ten responses

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sanko University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of an 8-Week Corrective Exercise Programme on the Tone and Viscoelastic Properties of Back Muscles in Thoracic Kyphosis

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Aug 26, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 26, 2025

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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