Comparing Back Extensor and Core Stability Training in Kyphosis

NCT06888609 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: REC-01003 Zahoor Ahmad
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

To compare the effects of back extensor strengthening exercises versus core stability exercises on thoracic kyphosis in patients, assessing improvements in posture, spinal alignment, and overall functional outcomes

Conditions

Thoracic Kyphosis

Keywords

Posture; Spinal Alignment; Overall Functional Outcome; Pain; Range of Motion

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Change in Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)

  A 10 cm horizontal line with "No Pain" (0) on the left and "Worst Pain" (10) on the right. Patients mark their pain level on the scale before and after interventions to assess changes. Test-Retest Reliability: The VAS shows high test-retest reliability, especially in literate populations (r = 0.94), indicating stable pain scores over time when used with the same individual. Validity effectively captures the full spectrum of pain intensity, making it a valid tool for assessing the pain experience of thoracic kyphosis patients.

  12 Weeks

• Change in Thoracic Spine Range of Motion (ROM) Measured by Inclinometer

  The inclinometer has demonstrated good test-retest reliability, with high correlation (r = 0.90) in measuring range of motion (ROM) over time when used consistently on the same patient.The inclinometer accurately measures thoracic spine mobility and is considered a valid tool for assessing movement restriction or improvement in patients with thoracic kyphosis.

  12 Weeks

• Assessment of Postural Deformity Severity Using the Matthias Test

  It is effective in identifying postural deformities and the severity of thoracic kyphosis. The Matthias Test has demonstrated good inter-rater reliability.

  12 Weeks

• Change in Disability Level Measured by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)

  The Oswestry Disability Index (also known as the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire) is an extremely important tool that researchers and disability evaluators use to measure a patient's permanent functional disability.

  12 Weeks

• Change in Functional Disability Measured by Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ)

  The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire is most sensitive for patients with mild to moderate disability due to acute, sub-acute, or chronic low back pain.

  12 Weeks

Study Arms (2)

Back Extensor Strengthening Exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

Usage of modalities like hot pack \& TENS along with certain exercises mentioned in the following: 1. Superman Exercise (Prone position, lift chest off ground, arms extended) 2. Prone Arm and Leg Raise (Prone, lift opposite arm \& leg) 3. Seated Row (Resistance Band) (Pull band towards chest) 4. Wall Angels (Standing against wall, moving arms up/down)

Other: Back Extensor Strengthening Exercises

Core Stability Exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

Usage of modalities like hot pack \& TENS along with certain exercises mentioned in the following: 1. Side Plank (Side-lying, lift hips while maintaining straight posture) 2. Dead Bug Exercise (Supine, extend opposite arm \& leg) 3. Bridging Exercise (Supine, lift hips to straight line) 4. Bird-Dog Exercise (Quadruped, extend opposite arm \& leg)

Other: Core Stability Exercises

Interventions

Back Extensor Strengthening Exercises OTHER

1. Superman Exercise Sets/Reps: 2 sets × 10-12 reps, hold 5-10 sec 2. Prone Arm and Leg Raise Sets/Reps: 2 sets × 10-12 reps, hold 5-10 sec 3. Seated Row (Resistance Band) Sets/Reps: 2 sets × 12-15 reps, hold 3-5 sec 4. Wall Angels Sets/Reps: 2 sets × 10-12 reps, 3-5 sec per cycle

Also known as: Hot Pack (15-20 mins) - Upper back & thoracic spine for relaxation, TENS (10 mins)- Applied to thoracic region for pain relief (Before & after exercises)

Back Extensor Strengthening Exercises

Core Stability Exercises OTHER

1. Side Plank Sets/Reps: 3 sets, hold 10-60 sec per side 2. Dead Bug Exercise Sets/Reps: 3 sets × 6-15 reps per side 3. Bridging Exercise Sets/Reps: 3 sets × 10-20 reps, hold 2-5 sec 4. Bird-Dog Exercise Sets/Reps: 3 sets × 8-15 reps per side, hold 2-5 sec

Also known as: Hot Pack (15-20 mins) - Upper back & thoracic spine for relaxation, TENS (10 mins)- Applied to thoracic region for pain relief (Before & after exercises)

Core Stability Exercises

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 40 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18-40 years with a diagnosis of mild to moderate thoracic kyphosis (Cobb angle between 40° and 60°).
• The presence of back pain or discomfort is attributed to kyphosis.
• Willingness to participate and commit to the study's duration (6 weeks of intervention and follow-up).
• Ability to provide informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Severe thoracic kyphosis (Cobb angle \> 60°).
• Other spinal conditions such as scoliosis or spinal fractures.
• Previous spinal surgery or contraindications to physical activity.
• Neurological disorders affecting motor function.
• Pregnancy or severe medical comorbidities that would preclude participation.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

DHQ Timergara & Batkhela

Malakand, KPK, 18300, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Pain

Interventions

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation; Analgesia; Lead

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Electric Stimulation Therapy; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation; Anesthesia and Analgesia; Metals, Heavy; Elements; Inorganic Chemicals; Metals

Study Officials

• Ayesha Sadiq, MSPT (OMPT)

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 20, 2025
• First Posted: March 21, 2025
• Study Start: April 15, 2025
• Primary Completion: August 11, 2025
• Study Completion: December 31, 2025
• Last Updated: February 25, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)