This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the additional benefits of Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) when combined with a corrective exercise program for adolescents with postural hyperkyphosis. Postural hyperkyphosis, defined as a thoracic kyphosis angle of 40 degrees or greater, often leads to physical misalignments and psychosocial issues such as decreased self-esteem and poor body image during adolescence. Participants will be randomly assigned to either Group A (Experimental) or Group B (Control) using a stratified block randomization method. Both groups will participate in a 12-week intervention consisting of supervised Schroth corrective exercises performed twice weekly. Group A will additionally receive one session per week of BBAT, a physiotherapy method focusing on movement quality, mental awareness, and the integration of physical and mental self-awareness through lying, sitting, standing, and walking exercises. Group B will receive Autogenic Training, a systematic relaxation technique, as an active control. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the 12-week program. The primary outcome measures include body awareness (Body Awareness Questionnaire), aesthetic perception of the spine (Kyphosis Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and digital posture analysis (PostureScreen Mobile). Secondary outcomes involve clinical measurements of kyphosis (Flexicurve and Wall-Occiput Distance), dynamic and static balance (Y-Balance Test and Single-Leg Stance Test), thoracic joint position sense, health-related quality of life (SRS-30), and pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale). The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how mindfulness and movement awareness can enhance traditional physical rehabilitation for spinal postural disorders.
Adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years.
Diagnosis of postural hyperkyphosis confirmed by a thoracic kyphosis angle of 40 degrees or greater.
Diagnosis of congenital or rigid spinal deformities, such as Scheuermann's kyphosis.
History of major spinal surgery, severe spinal trauma, or significant orthopedic conditions.
Presence of diagnosed neurological or vestibular diseases that may affect balance or movement.
Use of spinal braces or other corrective orthotic devices during the study period.
Parallel
Corrective Exercise and Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT)
Other interventionThis is a behavioral, non-drug intervention combining Schroth corrective exercises with somatic awareness through Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT). Movements emphasize movement quality, postural alignment, and improved self-perception of the body. The approach supports individualized progression (targeting 4-6 on a perceived difficulty scale) and complements conventional physiotherapy for adolescent hyperkyphosis.
Corrective Exercise and Autogenic Training
Other interventionThis is a non-drug corrective exercise program tailored for adolescents with postural hyperkyphosis, combined with Autogenic Training for relaxation. It includes spinal strengthening and Schroth-specific postural corrections performed twice weekly. Additionally, participants perform Autogenic Training focusing on breathing, cardiac regulation, and abdominal warmth to support mental well-being alongside physical rehabilitation.
Body Awareness - Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ)
The Body Awareness Questionnaire is an 18-item scale designed to assess a person's sensitivity to non-pathological bodily processes, such as body rhythms and changes in bodily states. Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 18 to 126. A higher total score indicates a greater level of body awareness. This measure will evaluate how the interventions influence the participants' internal perception of their bodies.
Aesthetic Perception of the Spine - Kyphosis Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (KSAQ)
The Kyphosis Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire consists of 22 items specifically tailored to evaluate how adolescents with hyperkyphosis perceive the aesthetic appearance of their spine. The scale uses a 5-point Likert system where higher scores reflect a more negative perception of spinal appearance and higher treatment expectations. This tool provides insight into the psychosocial impact of postural changes and the perceived effectiveness of the treatment from the patient's perspective.
Self-Esteem - Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is a widely validated 10-item instrument used to measure global self-worth and self-acceptance. Participants rate each item on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. It captures both positive and negative feelings about the self, providing a total score that reflects the individual's overall level of self-esteem throughout the therapeutic process.
Posture Analysis - PostureScreen Mobile (PSM) Assessment
PostureScreen Mobile is a digital postural analysis application used to objectively quantify postural deviations. It measures shifts and tilts in centimeters or degrees by analyzing photos taken from anterior, posterior, and lateral views. The assessment focuses on identifying improvements in spinal alignment and the reduction of forward head posture or thoracic kyphosis after the 12-week intervention.
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle Measured by Flexicurve
The Flexicurve is a non-invasive, flexible ruler used to measure the curvature of the thoracic spine. A physiotherapist molds the device to the participant's back, and the resulting curve is traced onto paper. The kyphosis angle is then calculated using a mathematical formula based on the height and length of the curve. Higher degrees indicate a greater degree of postural hyperkyphosis.
Wall-Occiput Distance (WOD)
This measurement is used to assess the severity of forward head posture and upper thoracic curvature. The participant stands with their heels and back against a wall, and the horizontal distance between the occiput (the back of the head) and the wall is measured in centimeters using a standard ruler. A distance of 0 cm is considered normal, while higher values indicate increased postural deviation.
Y-Balance Test (YBT)
The Y-Balance Test is a tool used to measure dynamic balance and functional reach. Participants stand on one leg and reach with the other leg in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. The reach distances are recorded and normalized to the participant's leg length to provide a comprehensive balance score. Higher scores represent better dynamic postural control.
Single-Leg Stance Test (SLS)
The Single-Leg Stance Test assesses static postural stability. Participants are asked to stand on one leg with their eyes open and then with their eyes closed. The duration they can maintain this position without the non-weight-bearing foot touching the ground or using their arms for balance is recorded in seconds, up to a maximum of 30 or 60 seconds. Longer durations indicate superior static balance.
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