Thoracic Kyphosis
Conditions
Brief summary
This study is a comparative interventional trial designed to evaluate the effects of Aquatic Pilates versus Mat Pilates on respiratory function, functional capacity, quality of life, and thoracic kyphosis in older women. Thoracic kyphosis is a common postural deviation in older adults that may negatively affect respiratory mechanics, physical performance, and quality of life. Participants were allocated into four groups and assessed at three time points: baseline (pre-intervention), after 6 weeks of intervention, and immediately following the completion of a 12-week exercise program. Outcome measures included anthropometric characteristics (height, body weight, and body mass index), degree of thoracic kyphosis, respiratory function assessed via spirometric testing, functional capacity evaluated using standardized physical performance tests, and quality of life. The intervention programs consisted of structured Aquatic Pilates and Mat Pilates protocols designed to improve postural alignment, respiratory efficiency, functional ability, and overall quality of life. The objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of Aquatic Pilates versus Mat Pilates on respiratory, functional, and quality-of-life outcomes in older women with thoracic kyphosis.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALAquatic Pilates
A structured 12-week Aquatic Pilates exercise program consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly. The intervention involved controlled exercise in a water environment utilizing buoyancy and hydrostatic resistance.
BEHAVIORALMat Pilates
A structured 12-week Mat Pilates exercise program consisting of 24 sessions performed twice weekly. The intervention was conducted on land using a mat-based Pilates protocol focusing on controlled movement and postural control.
Sponsors
University of Athens
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
55 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Female participants * Αge 55-65 years * Clinical diagnosis of thoracic kyphosis * Thoracic kyphosis angle between 26° and 46° * Ability to participate in exercise program * Ability to provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Rheumatoid arthritis * Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) * Cardiovascular disease * History of spinal surgery * History of lower limb surgery * Recent fractures within the past 6 months * Severe hyperkyphosis (\>46°)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vital Capacity (VC) | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Vital Capacity (VC) measured by spirometry using the SPIROANALYZER ST-95 spirometer. VC is reported in liters (L). Higher values indicate better pulmonary function. |
| Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) measured by spirometry using the SPIROANALYZER ST-95 spirometer. FVC is reported in liters (L). Higher values indicate better pulmonary function. |
| Thoracic Kyphosis Angle | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Thoracic kyphosis angle measured using a kyphometer between T2 and T12 vertebrae. Results are reported in degrees (°). Lower values indicate reduced thoracic kyphosis. |
| Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Time required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, return, and sit down. Measured in seconds. Lower scores indicate better mobility and functional performance. |
| 4-Meter Gait Speed Test | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Gait speed calculated over a 4-meter walking distance and reported in meters per second (m/s). Higher scores indicate better walking performance. |
| 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Total distance walked during the 6-minute walk test. Reported in meters (m). Higher scores indicate better aerobic capacity and endurance. |
| Modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT) Score | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Functional performance assessed using the Modified Physical Performance Test (mPPT). Higher scores indicate better functional capacity and physical performance. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) Score | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Health-related quality of life assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life. |
| PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2 | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Health-related quality of life assessed using the PROMIS Global Health Scale v1.2. Results are reported as T-scores with a population mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10. Higher scores indicate better perceived health status. |
| Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) Score | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Physical activity assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE). Total scores typically range from 0 to over 400, with higher scores indicating greater levels of physical activity. |
| Body weight | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Body weight measured in kilograms (kg) using a calibrated scale |
| Ηeight | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Height measured using a standard wall-mounted height measuring device |
| Βody Μass Ιndex (BMI) | Baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks | Calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²) (kg/m²) |
Countries
Greece
Contacts
STUDY_DIRECTORHELEN SOULTANAKIS, Dr
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Physical Education and Sport Science
Outcome results
None listed