Hyperkyphosis, Kyphosis Thoracic
Conditions
Keywords
Thoracic hyperkyphosis, face-to-face rehabilitation, telerehabilitation, spinal posture, musculoskeletal health, corrective exercises, Pediatric Kyphosis
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALFace-to-Face Rehabilitation Program
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.
BEHAVIORALTelerehabilitation Program
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.
Sponsors
Medipol University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
9 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
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.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Thoracic Kyphosis Angle (TKA) | 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 |
| Manual Muscle Test (MMT) | 6 weeks | Evaluates back muscle strength before and after the intervention. Minimum = 0 (no muscle contraction), Maximum = 5 (normal muscle strength). |
| Visual Analog Scale (VAS) | 6 weeks | Assesses pain levels before and after the intervention. Minimum = 0 (no pain), Maximum = 10 (worst possible pain) |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed