Schroth exercises to improve shoulder-blade muscle activity in children with thoracic hyperkyphosis
Official title: The Effect of Schroth Exercises on Scapular Muscle Activation in Children With Thoracic Hyperkyphosis
Run by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · NCT06907914 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether an 8-week supervised Schroth exercise program can improve scapular (shoulder-blade) muscle activation in children aged 7–18 with thoracic hyperkyphosis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 56 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06907914 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 7–18 with postural thoracic kyphosis (Cobb angle 40° to <70°) and ongoing skeletal development (Risser 0–5) who can attend supervised therapy and meet the study's exclusion criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with congenital or rigid spinal deformities, recent major spinal surgery, current brace use, high BMI (≥30), frequent upper-extremity sports, sensory or cognitive impairments, systemic or neurological disease, or other exclusion criteria are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
In this randomized controlled trial 56 children with postural thoracic hyperkyphosis (Cobb 40°–<70°) will be assigned to either an 8-week supervised Schroth exercise program or a control group receiving postural education. The Schroth program uses individualized three-dimensional postural correction, rotational breathing, and targeted scapular control during functional activities. Primary outcome is scapular muscle activation measured by surface electromyography (sEMG); secondary outcomes include muscle strength, scapular endurance, kyphotic appearance, posture, and pain. Results aim to inform non‑surgical physiotherapy approaches for improving scapular function and posture in this age group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could strengthen scapular stabilizers, improve posture and appearance, reduce pain, and guide preventive and rehabilitation care for children with thoracic hyperkyphosis.
How similar studies have gone: Schroth exercises are commonly used and have shown benefits for spinal alignment and function in scoliosis and kyphosis, but their specific effect on scapular muscle activation is not well studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Thoracic kyphosis angle (Cobb) between ≥40° and \<70° on lateral radiographs * Aged 7-18 years * Risser stage 0-5, indicating ongoing skeletal development Exclusion Criteria: * Congenital or rigid spinal deformities/anomalies * Major musculoskeletal surgery or trauma, especially involving the spine * Physiotherapeutic intervention for the spine in the last 6 months * Current brace use * BMI ≥ 30 * Regular upper extremity sports involvement (e.g., swimming, volleyball) at least twice a week for one year * More than 60 minutes of moderate-to-high intensity physical activity per week * Visual impairments or light sensitivity * Positive vestibular (Unterberger) test * Hearing impairments * Cognitive difficulties affecting comprehension * Systemic diseases (diabetes, hypothyroidism, infection, malignancy) * Neurological disorders * Active rheumatic diseases
Where it's running
-
Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa
Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen, Assoc Prof. — Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
- Study coordinator: Kübra Kardeş, PhD
- Email: kubra.koce@istinye.edu.tr
- Phone: 905387115631
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Feasibility of high-dose multimodal prehabilitation for women awaiting gynecologic cancer surgery
This study tests whether a high-dose, multimodal prehabilitation program can be delivered before gynecologic cancer surgery and whether patients prefer in-person, remote, or education-only approaches.
-
Adding Street Racket to outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation
This project will test whether Street Racket, a simple group racket game, can be added to outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation for adults with chronic lung disease to make sessions more acceptable and engaging.
-
Mat Pilates to improve body awareness and activity in sedentary young women
This program will try mat Pilates for 8 weeks to see if it helps sedentary women aged 18–29 increase body awareness and physical activity.
-
Early exercise-based rehabilitation for adults hospitalized with acute pulmonary embolism
This trial tries an early, supervised exercise and education program for adults hospitalized with acute pulmonary embolism to see if it prevents long-term breathlessness and improves quality of life.
-
Exercise program for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension receiving sotatercept
This study is testing whether a special exercise program combined with a new medication can help people with pulmonary arterial hypertension feel better and improve their ability to exercise.
-
Personalized back training program for low back pain relief
This study is testing whether a personalized back exercise program can help people with long-term low back pain feel better and move more easily compared to regular exercises.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.