Schroth-based exercise to reduce thoracic kyphosis and neck pain
Effects of Schroth-Based Three-Dimensional Exercise Program on Angle of Kyphosis, Muscle Strength, Balance, Pain, and Quality of Life in Patients With Postural Hyperkyphosis With Chronic Neck Pain
This trial tests whether an eight-week Schroth-based three-dimensional exercise program can reduce kyphosis angle and improve muscle strength, balance, pain, and quality of life in adults aged 20–50 with thoracic kyphosis greater than 45° and chronic neck pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Baskent University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Çankaya) |
| Trial ID | NCT06835608 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll adults aged 20–50 with thoracic kyphosis >45° and chronic neck pain and randomize them to a Schroth-based three-dimensional exercise group or a postural exercise control group for eight weeks. Both groups receive an initial program of 20 electrotherapy and exercise sessions over four weeks, followed by four weeks of group-specific exercise training. Primary outcomes include changes in thoracic kyphosis angle, spinal extensor muscle strength, balance, neck pain intensity, and health-related quality of life. Standard exclusion criteria include prior spinal surgery, rheumatologic or metabolic disease, congenital deformity, or scoliosis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 20–50 years old with thoracic kyphosis angle >45°, chronic neck pain for over 3 months with pain >3/10, no recent treatment for postural kyphosis, and no systemic disease.
Not a fit: Patients with prior spinal trauma or surgery, rheumatologic or metabolic disorders, congenital postural deformities or scoliosis, or those outside the age/angle criteria are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce kyphosis and neck pain and improve strength, balance, and daily functioning without surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Three-dimensional Schroth-style programs have shown benefits for scoliosis, but high-quality evidence specifically targeting thoracic hyperkyphosis is limited, so this application is promising but not yet well-established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Thoracic kyphosis angle \> 45 degrees, * Aged between 20 and 50 years, * Have neck pain for more than 3 months, * Neck pain visual analogue scale \> 3, * Not being treated for postural kyphosis in the last 6 months, * Has no systemic disease Exclusion Criteria: * History of trauma or surgery on spinal joints, * Participants with rheumatological and metabolic disorders, * Participants with congenital postural deformity and scoliosis
Where this trial is running
Ankara, Çankaya
- Baskent University Umitkoy Outpatient Clinic — Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Selin ÖZEN, Assoc. prof. — Baskent University
- Study coordinator: Tuğçe BAYRAM ERKOYUNCU, PHD Student
- Email: bayramtugce91@gmail.com
- Phone: +905079668252
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.