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Comparing Back Extensor and Core Stability Training in Kyphosis

Comparison of Back Extensor Strengthening Versus Core Stability Exercise in Patients With Thoracic Kyphosis

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06888609
Enrollment
40
Registered
2025-03-21
Start date
2025-04-15
Completion date
2025-12-31
Last updated
2026-02-25

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Thoracic Kyphosis

Keywords

Posture, Spinal Alignment, Overall Functional Outcome, Pain, Range of Motion

Brief summary

To compare the effects of back extensor strengthening exercises versus core stability exercises on thoracic kyphosis in patients, assessing improvements in posture, spinal alignment, and overall functional outcomes

Detailed description

Kyphosis is the normal forward curvature of our spine and when this curvature becomes excessively increased is referred to as hyper kyphosis or Hunch back. Its normal value is between 20 and 40 degrees. When the thoracic kyphotic angle exceeds 40 degrees, it is referred to as hyper kyphosis. The three main types of kyphosis often seen in individuals are postural, Structural and congenital. Postural kyphosis is caused by high external load on individual spine having overall poor muscle strength. Sagittal misalignment can be caused by poor posture while sitting and standing as well as prolonged sitting.

Interventions

OTHERBack Extensor Strengthening Exercises

1. Superman Exercise Sets/Reps: 2 sets × 10-12 reps, hold 5-10 sec 2. Prone Arm and Leg Raise Sets/Reps: 2 sets × 10-12 reps, hold 5-10 sec 3. Seated Row (Resistance Band) Sets/Reps: 2 sets × 12-15 reps, hold 3-5 sec 4. Wall Angels Sets/Reps: 2 sets × 10-12 reps, 3-5 sec per cycle

OTHERCore Stability Exercises

1. Side Plank Sets/Reps: 3 sets, hold 10-60 sec per side 2. Dead Bug Exercise Sets/Reps: 3 sets × 6-15 reps per side 3. Bridging Exercise Sets/Reps: 3 sets × 10-20 reps, hold 2-5 sec 4. Bird-Dog Exercise Sets/Reps: 3 sets × 8-15 reps per side, hold 2-5 sec

Sponsors

Riphah International University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Adults aged 18-40 years with a diagnosis of mild to moderate thoracic kyphosis (Cobb angle between 40° and 60°). * The presence of back pain or discomfort is attributed to kyphosis. * Willingness to participate and commit to the study's duration (6 weeks of intervention and follow-up). * Ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

* Severe thoracic kyphosis (Cobb angle \> 60°). * Other spinal conditions such as scoliosis or spinal fractures. * Previous spinal surgery or contraindications to physical activity. * Neurological disorders affecting motor function. * Pregnancy or severe medical comorbidities that would preclude participation.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)12 WeeksA 10 cm horizontal line with "No Pain" (0) on the left and "Worst Pain" (10) on the right. Patients mark their pain level on the scale before and after interventions to assess changes. Test-Retest Reliability: The VAS shows high test-retest reliability, especially in literate populations (r = 0.94), indicating stable pain scores over time when used with the same individual. Validity effectively captures the full spectrum of pain intensity, making it a valid tool for assessing the pain experience of thoracic kyphosis patients.
Change in Thoracic Spine Range of Motion (ROM) Measured by Inclinometer12 WeeksThe inclinometer has demonstrated good test-retest reliability, with high correlation (r = 0.90) in measuring range of motion (ROM) over time when used consistently on the same patient.The inclinometer accurately measures thoracic spine mobility and is considered a valid tool for assessing movement restriction or improvement in patients with thoracic kyphosis.
Assessment of Postural Deformity Severity Using the Matthias Test12 WeeksIt is effective in identifying postural deformities and the severity of thoracic kyphosis. The Matthias Test has demonstrated good inter-rater reliability.
Change in Disability Level Measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)12 WeeksThe Oswestry Disability Index (also known as the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire) is an extremely important tool that researchers and disability evaluators use to measure a patient's permanent functional disability.
Change in Functional Disability Measured by Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ)12 WeeksThe Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire is most sensitive for patients with mild to moderate disability due to acute, sub-acute, or chronic low back pain.

Countries

Pakistan

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORAyesha Sadiq, MSPT (OMPT)

Riphah International University

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 27, 2026