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DNS vs Thoracic Stabilization Exercises in Thoracic Kyphosis

ConditionKyphosis
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-40
SponsorEsra BECENI

About this trial

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises and thoracic stabilization exercises on thoracic erector spinae muscle strength, thoracic kyphosis angle, pain and trunk stabilization in individuals with thoracic kyphosis. Thirty participants aged 18-40 years with thoracic kyphosis will be randomly allocated to a DNS exercise group or a thoracic stabilization exercise group. Surface EMG biofeedback will be used to assess thoracic erector spinae muscle activation, while pain, thoracic kyphosis angle and trunk endurance will be evaluated using validated clinical tests. The interventions will be applied for 6 weeks, and outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention period.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Age between 18 and 40 years.

Presence of thoracic kyphosis based on clinical and flexible ruler assessment.

Able to perform exercise-based interventions.

Voluntarily agrees to participate and signs the informed consent form.

Disqualifiers

Age outside the range of 18-40 years.

Pregnancy.

Malignancy.

History of spinal surgery within the last year.

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Exercises

    Behavioral

    Participants in the DNS group will perform Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises based on developmental kinesiology. The program includes prone (4.5-month position), modified prone over a Swiss ball, quadruped (9-month position) and prone exercises on a Swiss ball with bilateral hand support. All exercises emphasize proper spinal alignment, diaphragmatic breathing and coordinated activation of the deep stabilizing muscles. Participants will complete two supervised sessions per week and perform home exercises twice daily (10 repetitions per exercise) for 6 weeks. An exercise diary will be used to monitor adherence.

  • Thoracic Stabilization Exercise

    Behavioral

    Participants in the thoracic stabilization group will perform a structured thoracic and scapular stabilization program including foam roller thoracic extension in supine, prone thoracic extension, child's pose with thoracic extension and scapular retraction exercises. The exercises are designed to improve thoracic mobility, strengthen the thoracic extensors and enhance postural alignment. Participants will complete two supervised sessions per week and perform home exercises twice daily (10 repetitions per exercise) for 6 weeks. Exercise adherence will be tracked with an exercise diary, and participants who miss the program for three consecutive days will be withdrawn from the study.

Treatment groups

30 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Group (DNSG)Experimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Thoracic Stabilization Exercise Group (TSG)Experimental treatment 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Thoracic Kyphosis Index (Flexible Ruler Measurement)

Thoracic kyphosis will be measured using a flexible ruler placed from C7 to T12 in standing posture. The curve will be transferred to paper and the kyphosis index will be calculated using the formula (H/U) × 100, where H is the height and U is the length of the curve. Higher scores indicate greater kyphosis. Analysis Metric: Change from baseline to Week 6 in kyphosis index.

Time frame
Baseline and Week 6

Secondary outcomes

1

Thoracic Erector Spinae Muscle Activity (Surface EMG, µV)

Thoracic erector spinae muscle activity will be evaluated using surface EMG biofeedback. Surface electrodes will be placed along the thoracic erector spinae musculature. Participants will perform standardized isometric contractions, and mean microvolt (µV) amplitudes will be recorded at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention. Analysis Metric: Change from baseline to Week 6 in mean EMG amplitude (µV).

Time frame
Baseline and Week 6
2

Pain Intensity - Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Pain intensity will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst imaginable pain. Participants will rate their pain at baseline and after 6 weeks. Analysis Metric: Change from baseline to Week 6 in VAS score.

Time frame
Baseline and Week 6
3

Plank Test (Core Endurance, seconds)

Core muscle endurance will be assessed using the prone plank test. Participants will maintain a standardized prone plank position supported on forearms and toes for as long as possible. Time to fatigue (seconds) will be recorded. Analysis Metric: Change from baseline to Week 6 in plank hold time (seconds).

Time frame
Baseline and Week 6
4

Lateral Plank Test (Oblique Endurance, seconds)

Lateral plank tests will be used to assess lateral trunk endurance. Participants will support their body on one elbow and the side of the foot, maintaining a straight alignment. Time to fatigue will be recorded separately for both sides. Analysis Metric: Change from baseline to Week 6 in side plank hold time (seconds).

Time frame
Baseline and Week 6

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.

Esra BECENI

Lead sponsor

Bahçeşehir University

Sponsor institution

Source ClinicalTrials.gov

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