Schroth and Scapular Muscle Activation in Hyperkyphosis (NCT06907914) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Schroth and Scapular Muscle Activation in Hyperkyphosis
Turkey (Türkiye)56 participantsStarted 2025-06-15
Plain-language summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of Schroth exercises on scapular muscle activation in children with thoracic hyperkyphosis. A total of 56 participants will be randomly assigned to either the Schroth exercise group or the control group receiving postural education. The intervention group will complete an 8-week supervised Schroth program focusing on three-dimensional correction, rotational breathing, and postural awareness. Primary outcome is scapular muscle activation measured by surface EMG. Secondary outcomes include muscle strength, scapular endurance, kyphotic appearance, posture, and pain. The results will guide clinical management and preventive strategies for children with postural thoracic hyperkyphosis.
Who can participate
Age range
7 Years – 18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Thoracic kyphosis angle (Cobb) between ≥40° and \<70° on lateral radiographs
* Aged 7-18 years
* Risser stage 0-5, indicating ongoing skeletal development
Exclusion Criteria:
* Congenital or rigid spinal deformities/anomalies
* Major musculoskeletal surgery or trauma, especially involving the spine
* Physiotherapeutic intervention for the spine in the last 6 months
* Current brace use
* BMI ≥ 30
* Regular upper extremity sports involvement (e.g., swimming, volleyball) at least twice a week for one year
* More than 60 minutes of moderate-to-high intensity physical activity per week
* Visual impairments or light sensitivity
* Positive vestibular (Unterberger) test
* Hearing impairments
* Cognitive difficulties affecting comprehension
* Systemic diseases (diabetes, hypothyroidism, infection, malignancy)
* Neurological disorders
* Active rheumatic diseases
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial is measuring muscle activation using surface EMG during Schroth exercises combined with scapular muscle training — can you explain what that actually involves day-to-day, and whether my child's schedule and physical ability are realistic fits for this kind of exercise program?
2Since this trial is listed as Phase NA, meaning it's an exercise-based study rather than a drug trial, what does that mean for my child's safety compared to a standard physical therapy program we might already access?
3The trial is specifically focused on adolescents with hyperkyphosis — how does my child's current degree of kyphosis compare to what this study is designed for, and is this level of curvature even appropriate to address with exercise therapy alone right now?
4Are there standard physiotherapy or bracing treatments already available for adolescent hyperkyphosis that we should consider first, or alongside this trial, before deciding whether to pursue enrollment?
5If my child participates and the sEMG measurements show limited muscle activation improvement, what would the next treatment steps look like, and would participating in this study affect our access to other treatment options?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.