Schroth three-dimensional exercises for adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis
The Effect of Three-Dimensional Exercises ( Schroth Method ) on Trunk Muscle Endurance, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life in Adolescents With Hyperkyphosis
This program will test whether Schroth three-dimensional exercises can improve trunk muscle endurance, sleep quality, and quality of life in adolescents aged 12–18 with thoracic hyperkyphosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Gaziosmanpasa Research and Education Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07261358 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adolescents with thoracic kyphosis (T3–T12 Cobb angle ≥45°) will participate in a three-month Schroth-based three-dimensional exercise program consisting of supervised and home exercise components with education and exercise logs. Outcomes will include radiographic kyphosis angle, inclinometer measures, back extensor endurance using the Biering–Sørensen test, pain, sleep quality, and quality of life using standardized questionnaires. Participants must be able to actively perform the program and attend regular assessments at the treating center, while those with significant coronal scoliosis, prior spinal surgery, or neuromuscular/structural spinal disorders are excluded. Results will compare pre- and post-intervention measures to see if the exercise program produces clinically meaningful change.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are 12–18 year olds with thoracic hyperkyphosis (Cobb angle ≥45°) who can actively perform exercises, understand educational material, and commit to regular supervised and home sessions for three months.
Not a fit: Patients with coronal-plane scoliosis >10°, prior spinal surgery, structural spinal or neuromuscular disorders, or balance/vestibular issues are unlikely to benefit or may be ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the program could reduce kyphotic posture and pain while improving trunk endurance, sleep, and overall quality of life for affected adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Exercise-based approaches, including Schroth methods, have shown benefit for spinal posture and symptoms in young people, but high-quality randomized evidence specifically for adolescent hyperkyphosis is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age * Presence of thoracic kyphosis with a T3-T12 Cobb angle ≥45° measured on a lateral thoracic radiograph * Sufficient physical and cognitive ability to actively participate in the exercise protocol for at least 3 months * Adequate communication and cognitive capacity to understand the educational materials provided * Ability and willingness to regularly complete the exercise log throughout the study period Exclusion Criteria: * Scoliosis with a Cobb angle \>10° in the coronal plane * Presence of structural spinal deformities such as vertebral fracture, spondylolisthesis * History of previous spinal surgery * Neuromuscular disorders that may affect the spine (e.g., cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy) * Structural or functional pathologies involving the spine, pelvic complex, or shoulder girdle * Balance disorders such as vestibular dysfunction, vertigo, or other conditions affecting postural control * Inability to comply with the exercise protocol due to intellectual disability, severe behavioral disorders, or significant communication impairments * Participation in professional-level sports activities that may influence exercise capacity or musculoskeletal function * Presence of serious cardiopulmonary diseases (e.g., congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension)
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- Gazisomanpasa Training and Research Hospital — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Öznur Molla Kocabaş, MD
- Email: oznurmolla@gmail.com
- Phone: +905388837799
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.