NCT06988046

Brief Summary

Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a common postural deformity; however, the optimal treatment strategy has yet to be clearly defined. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of an innovative three-dimensional printed Cover Spine Orthosis (CSO) in managing thoracic hyperkyphosis. Specifically, the study compared the effects of the CSO on kyphosis angle, quality of life (QoL), and user satisfaction with those of a semi-rigid thoracolumbar orthosis (SRTLO) that has established efficacy in the literature.

Trial Health

87
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
34

participants targeted

Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable

Timeline
Completed

Started Jan 2022

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
completed

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

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Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Start

First participant enrolled

January 10, 2022

Completed
11 months until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

November 30, 2022

Completed
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

November 30, 2022

Completed
2.5 years until next milestone

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

May 16, 2025

Completed
7 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

May 23, 2025

Completed
Last Updated

May 23, 2025

Status Verified

December 1, 2021

Enrollment Period

11 months

First QC Date

May 16, 2025

Last Update Submit

May 16, 2025

Conditions

Keywords

Thoracic hyperkyphosispostural kyphosisthree-dimensional orthosisthoracic kyphosis angle

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

  • Thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA)

    Thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA) was assessed using a flexicurve, a flexible, plastic-coated metal ruler that conforms to the curvature of the spine. For measurement, the flexicurve was molded along the thoracic spine between the C7 and T12 vertebrae while the participant maintained an upright posture. Once the curve was shaped, its outline was transferred onto paper for further analysis. The kyphosis index was calculated by measuring the height of the apex of the curve (B) and dividing it by the total horizontal length of the thoracic curve (X), then multiplying the result by 100: (B/X) × 100. Additionally, the flexicurve angle (θ) was derived by constructing a triangle from the traced curve and measuring the angle formed by lines drawn perpendicular to its sides.

    3 minutes

Secondary Outcomes (2)

  • Quality of life (QoL)

    3 minutes

  • User satisfaction

    2 minutes

Study Arms (2)

Cover spine orthosis group (CSO)

EXPERIMENTAL

he Cover Spine Orthosis (CSO) is a novel therapeutic device specifically engineered to address excessive thoracic curvature in individuals diagnosed with hyperkyphosis. Utilizing three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, the orthosis is produced from thermoplastic polyurethane, a material known for its flexibility and durability. The CSO incorporates two primary corrective components positioned anteriorly and posteriorly. The anterior section functions to stabilize the thoracic region from the front, while the posterior section delivers a corrective force from the back, targeting spinal alignment. To ensure a secure and adaptive fit, elastic webbing with Velcro and loop fasteners is integrated on both sides of the shoulder and trunk. These connectors link the anterior and posterior components, maintaining optimal suspension of the orthosis on the user's body. Furthermore, the design features a broad contact area, which enhances postural control by distributing mechanical forces more

Device: Cover spine orthosis (CSO)

Semi-rigid thoracolumbar orthosis group (SRTLO)

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The control group was fitted with a semi-rigid thoracolumbar orthosis (SRTLO), a device whose clinical efficacy has been previously validated. This orthosis includes paraspinal support bars, bilateral shoulder straps, and a Velcro-based fastening system. The paraspinal bars function to limit spinal flexion, thereby promoting an extended spinal posture. The shoulder straps are passed anteriorly over the shoulders, routed posteriorly through the axillary regions, crossed to the opposite side, and brought back to the front. Once appropriate tension is applied, the straps are secured using Velcro fasteners. Final stabilization is accomplished by anterior traction on the thoracic section straps to ensure optimal corrective force distribution.

Device: Semi-rigid thoracolumbar orthosis

Interventions

The participants included in the study were asked to use the orthoses given as a result of randomization for four weeks, excluding the time they were asleep (average 12 h per day).

Cover spine orthosis group (CSO)

The participants included in the study were asked to use the orthoses given as a result of randomization for four weeks, excluding the time they were asleep (average 12 h per day).

Semi-rigid thoracolumbar orthosis group (SRTLO)

Eligibility Criteria

Age20 Years - 60 Years
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsAdult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

  • Individuals of both sexes (male and female)
  • Aged between 20 and 60 years
  • Presence of thoracic kyphosis angle (TKA) ≥ 40°

You may not qualify if:

  • History of spinal surgery or traumatic injury
  • Received physiotherapy treatment within the last six months
  • Diagnosed with congenital spinal deformities or scoliosis
  • Presence of acute musculoskeletal injury
  • Inability to tolerate or adapt to orthotic application

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

Istanbul Medipol University Prosthetics-Orthotics Research Center (POMER)

Istanbul, Kavacık, 34815, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Links

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Kyphosis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spinal CurvaturesSpinal DiseasesBone DiseasesMusculoskeletal Diseases

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
NONE
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE CARE
Intervention Model
PARALLEL
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
PI Title
PhD, PT

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

May 16, 2025

First Posted

May 23, 2025

Study Start

January 10, 2022

Primary Completion

November 30, 2022

Study Completion

November 30, 2022

Last Updated

May 23, 2025

Record last verified: 2021-12

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Locations