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Kinesio Taping Versus Dry Cupping Therapy in Treatment of Thoracic Kyphosis

Effect of Kinesio Taping Versus Dry Cupping Therapy in Treatment of Thoracic Kyphosis: A Randomized Control Trial

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07373925
Enrollment
48
Registered
2026-01-28
Start date
2026-02-01
Completion date
2026-06-01
Last updated
2026-01-28

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

Conditions

Thoracic Kyphosis

Keywords

Kinesio taping, Dry Cupping Therapy, Thoracic Kyphosis

Brief summary

This study will be conducted to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping versus dry cupping therapy in the treatment of thoracic kyphosis

Detailed description

Kyphosis is defined as an increase in the forward curvature of the spine that is seen along the sagittal plane. When the forward curvature becomes excessive, this is called hyperkyphosis. The curvature can be a normal variance when presented in the thoracic spine or in excess be a cause for instability and concern. The natural history of kyphosis is not exactly well known. Kinesio Taping (KT) stands out as one such modality proposed to manage musculoskeletal disorders (MSK) disorders. First developed in the 1970s by Dr. Kenzo Kase, It is touted for pain relief, increased range of motion (ROM), and muscle relaxation. As such, it is widely used, not only among athletes but also in clinical medicine Another traditional technique is known as dry cupping therapy that involve the application of cups to create localised negative pressure on the skin, has been utilised for over four thousand years. Its use spans various conditions, including musculoskeletal pain. Dry Cupping has traditionally carried folkloric, cultural, religious, and spiritual significance within various societies It is used for health promotion, prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of diseases around the world. It is a well-recognized traditional method for managing medical conditions. Currently, the scope of cupping therapy is expanding, and a growing body of research is providing additional evidence-based data for the further advancement of this therapy in the treatment of a variety of diseases. It has gained popularity and acceptance as a method of treating pain as well as sports injuries and other medical conditions.

Interventions

OTHERKinesio taping

The subjects in this group will be treated with KT in addition to the traditional treatment for thoracic kyphosis. Elastic tape (Kinesio tape, Kinesio® Tex Classic, Kinesio Holding Corporation, New Mexico, USA) 5 cm in width will be applied on the upper back of participants by a certified physiotherapist. When applying the tape, the participants will be in an upright standing position with both arms along the side of the body in a relaxed position. Taping will be applied from a starting point at the anterior aspect of the acromioclavicular joint and will be applied across the spinous process at T6 with the tape ending around T12 paraspinal muscle. The elastic tape will be applied with a stretch of approximately 150 %, .Taping will not be taken off for four days. After day four, it will be taken off and the skin will be rested for two days. Taping application will be repeated on day 7. The patients in this group will be followed for four weeks.

Participants in this group will receive three sessions per week for four weeks. Two sessions will include cupping therapy in addition to conventional treatment, while one session will consist of conventional treatment only. Six stationary cups will be placed directly around the thoracic spine three cups on each side of the spine. Reusable acrylic cups of medium diameter (3.5 cm) will be used for each individual at each session. The participant will be asked to lie prone. Before beginning the session, if any signs of dehydration are identified by the therapist, coconut oil will be applied to the region in order to hydrate the skin. cups will initially be applied through two suctions by the hand pump, "moderate" suction, which generates a negative pressure of approximately 300 millibar. For participants who report considerable discomfort, the pressure will slightly be minimized according to the individual sensation. cups will be positioned around the thoracic region for 10 Min.

OTHERConventional treatment

The participants in this group will receive conventional treatment that will include advices, stretching, strengthening and functional exercises 3 sessions a week for 4 weeks.

Sponsors

Cairo University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

sealed envelopes

Intervention model description

Kinesio taping and Dry Cupping Therapy

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 30 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Subjects with thoracic kyphosis angle \> 40° diagnosed by a medical doctor will be selected from Damietta University's clinic of physical education faculty. * Subjects from both genders with an age range between 18 and 30 years . * Subjects who are physically active in physical education sessions

Exclusion criteria

* Subjects with medical conditions that restrict activity. * Those who received exercise intervention for kyphosis. * Structural thoracic kyphosis, defined as thoracic kyphosis that did not partially or completely disappear during prone extension, as assessed by a physical therapist. * Medical history of spinal fracture, spinal surgery, shoulder joint injury or pelvic injury. * Other spinal diseases; presence of scoliosis on Adam's forward bend test. * Spinal kyphosis due to visible thoracic deformity. * Subjects undergoing professional sports training. * Skin disease (dermatitis, psoriasis), neurological disease or cancer. * Using anticoagulants or nonsteroidal antidepressants. * Inflammatory or rheumatologic disorders of the spine. * Severe cardiopulmonary disease, rheumatic disease or pregnancy. * Have a pacemaker or metal implants. * Do not understand the written consent form.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain Intensity Levelup to 4 weeksA visual analogue scale (VAS) will be used to measure the intensity of pain. With a score of 0 for no pain and 10 for the worst pain ever, this psychometric response scale, which measures pain intensity based on numerical values, is 10 cm or 100 mm in length. The interclass correlation ranges for the VAS, a validated and dependable measure of pain intensity, are 0.95 to 0.98. Patients rated their level of pain as mild if they scored 3.4 or less, moderate if they scored 3.5 to 7.4, and severe if they scored 7.5 or higher.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Thoracic-curve angleup to 4 weeksThe digital inclinometer will be used to measure thoracic-curve angle. It is a precision instrument designed to measure angles of slope, tilt, or inclination. The digital inclinometer is becoming a popular tool to assess the musculoskeletal system, including the antero-posterior curvatures of the spine, in both clinical practice and research. The digital inclinometer is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring thoracic kyphosis and can be used for regular screening.

Contacts

CONTACTAya Sultan, Master
yoyasulta96@gmail.com0 10 95506899

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026