Schroth and Scapular Muscle Activation in Hyperkyphosis
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Schroth.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Hyperkyphosis, Adolescent, Muscle Activation, Scapula; Deformity, Acquired, Exercise Therapy. Basic parameters: 7 years — 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
The Effect of Schroth Exercises on Scapular Muscle Activation in Children With Thoracic Hyperkyphosis
Overview
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.
Detailed description
This prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of Schroth-based three-dimensional exercises on scapular muscle activation in children with postural thoracic hyperkyphosis. Thoracic hyperkyphosis, commonly observed during childhood and adolescence, not only leads to spinal deformity but also negatively impacts scapular positioning, upper extremity function, and overall posture. Weakness and poor activation of scapular stabilizing muscles may contribute to the progression of kyphosis and functional limitations.
The Schroth method is a scoliosis-specific exercise approach designed to improve spinal alignment through three-dimensional postural correction, rotational breathing, and muscle stabilization techniques. Although widely used for spinal deformities such as scoliosis and kyphosis, its specific effects on scapular muscle activation remain insufficiently studied. This study will explore the potential of Schroth exercises to enhance scapular muscle function, which may contribute to improved posture, increased muscle strength and endurance, better scapular performance, reduced kyphotic appearance, and alleviation of pain.
The intervention group will participate in an 8-week supervised exercise program consisting of individualized Schroth exercises, focusing on postural awareness and scapular control during functional activities. By targeting scapular muscle activation, the study seeks to determine whether integrating Schroth exercises into physiotherapy practice can improve clinical outcomes and inform evidence-based approaches for managing postural thoracic hyperkyphosis in the pediatric population. Findings from this study may also contribute to developing preventive health strategies to protect musculoskeletal health in children and adolescents.
Interventions
- Other Schroth
The 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.
Primary outcome measures
- Muscle Activation (sEMG) [Time frame: 8 weeks]
Secondary outcome measures (7)
- Muscle Strength [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Scapular Muscle Endurance Test [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- PostureScreen Mobile Application [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Postural Habits and Awareness Scale [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) [Time frame: 8 weeks]
- Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale [Time frame: 8 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
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
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Double blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa — Istanbul
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06907914 · aza_isu2