Schroth and Scapular Muscle Activation in Hyperkyphosis
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age7-18
SponsorIstanbul University - Cerrahpasa
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Thoracic kyphosis angle (Cobb) between ≥40° and <70° on lateral radiographs
Aged 7-18 years
Risser stage 0-5, indicating ongoing skeletal development
Disqualifiers
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
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Schroth
Other interventionThe Schroth intervention consists of a structured, three-dimensional exercise program based on scoliosis-specific principles. It incorporates corrective postural alignment, rotational breathing techniques, and targeted activation of spinal and scapular stabilizing muscles. The exercises are designed to improve postural control, enhance muscle endurance, and promote neuromuscular re-education for better functional alignment during daily activities.
Treatment groups
56 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Group AExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Group BNo intervention 0 interventions
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Muscle Activation (sEMG)
Surface electromyography (sEMG) will assess the activation of the upper, middle, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles, following SENIAM protocols. Signals will be normalized to %MVC and analyzed for concentric, isometric, and eccentric phases using RMS methods with a 20 Hz high-pass filter.
Time frame
8 weeksSecondary outcomes
1
Muscle Strength
Scapular stabilizing muscle strength will be measured using a handheld dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument). Higher force values (in Newtons) indicate greater muscle strength and improved functional capacity of the scapular muscles. An increase in the score reflects muscle strength gains, while a decrease indicates weakness or functional decline.
Time frame
8 weeks2
Scapular Muscle Endurance Test
Scapular muscle endurance will be evaluated using the Scapular Muscle Endurance Test, which measures the duration (in seconds) that scapular muscles can sustain an isometric contraction. A higher score indicates better endurance capacity, while a lower score reflects fatigue or reduced muscle endurance.
Time frame
8 weeks3
Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire
The Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire is a 10-item, 5-point Likert scale (range: 1 to 5 per item, total score range: 10 to 50) designed to assess patients' perception of their spinal appearance related to thoracic hyperkyphosis. Higher scores indicate worse perceived deformity and greater concern about appearance.
Time frame
8 weeks4
PostureScreen Mobile Application
Provides objective measurements of postural deviations. Improvements are indicated by reductions in deviation angles or distances.
Time frame
8 weeksSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov