Assessment, Self, Postural Kyphosis, Spine
Conditions
Keywords
Hyperkyphosis, Postural Habits, Postural Awareness, Psychometric Analysis, Spinal Deformity, Postural Evaluation
Brief summary
This observational, cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the reliability of the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS) in patients with postural hyperkyphosis. The PHAS is designed to assess individuals' postural awareness and habits through four subscales. A total of 128 participants diagnosed with postural hyperkyphosis will complete the PHAS and the Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (KSSA). Test-retest reliability will be assessed by reapplying the PHAS after two weeks. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity will be analyzed. The study aims to provide a valid and reliable tool for evaluating postural awareness in clinical practice and future rehabilitation studies.
Detailed description
This study is designed to assess the reliability of the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS) in individuals diagnosed with postural hyperkyphosis. Postural hyperkyphosis is increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyles, prolonged sitting, and technological device use, leading to significant postural deviations and musculoskeletal complaints. Early detection and management of postural habits are essential to prevent long-term spinal deformities and functional limitations. The PHAS was developed to systematically evaluate individuals' postural awareness and habits in daily life, focusing on factors that contribute to poor posture and spinal alignment. The scale assesses dimensions such as postural habits, awareness of posture-disturbing factors, positional awareness, and ergonomic considerations. However, its psychometric properties, particularly reliability in hyperkyphotic patients, have not yet been established. This observational, cross-sectional methodological study will employ standardized psychometric methods to analyze the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the PHAS. The scale's ability to produce stable and consistent results over time will be tested through repeated administration. Additionally, concurrent validity will be examined by comparing PHAS scores with the Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (KSSA), which measures patients' perception of their spinal deformity. The findings will provide valuable insights into the scale's utility for clinical and research purposes. Establishing PHAS as a reliable tool could allow physiotherapists, ergonomists, and healthcare professionals to objectively assess postural habits and awareness, design personalized rehabilitation programs, and monitor treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the scale could be integrated into preventive strategies aimed at improving postural control and spinal health in both clinical practice and community settings. Research Team: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen (Principal Investigator) PhD. PT Kübra Kardeş (Istinye University) MSc PT Selin Uz Tunçay (Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa) MSc PT Merve Koyuncu Cenikli (Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa)
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPHAS Assessment
Participants will complete the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS) to assess postural awareness and habits. The scale will be administered twice, two weeks apart, to evaluate reliability.
Sponsors
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Study design
Observational model
CASE_ONLY
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
8 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age between 8 and 65 years * Diagnosed with postural hyperkyphosis (Cobb angle ≥ 50° confirmed by clinical and radiological evaluation) * Ability to perform daily activities independently * Voluntary participation and signed informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Presence of scoliosis or other spinal deformities * Kyphosis due to severe osteoporosis or pathological fractures * Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis or other inflammatory spinal diseases * Functional limitations due to acute or chronic pain * Previous postural awareness training or spinal rehabilitation within the last 6 months * Cognitive impairment or severe psychiatric disorder preventing independent questionnaire completion
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability of the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS) | 2 weeks | Internal consistency will be evaluated using Cronbach's Alpha. Test-retest reliability will be assessed by calculating the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) between two PHAS administrations. The PHAS consists of 19 items, each scored on a 5-point Likert scale (total score range: 19 to 95). Higher scores indicate better postural habits and awareness. Higher ICC values indicate better reliability. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (KSSAQ) | Baseline | The KSSAQ is a 10-item, 5-point Likert scale (range: 1 to 5 per item, total score range: 10 to 50) designed to assess patients' perception of their spinal appearance related to thoracic hyperkyphosis. Higher scores indicate worse perceived deformity and greater concern about appearance. The correlation between PHAS and KSSAQ scores will be calculated to determine concurrent validity. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
Primary ContactKübra Kardeş, PhD
Outcome results
None listed