Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) and Corrective Exercise for Adolescent Hyperkyphosis

May 14, 2026 updated by: Ayse Zengin Alpozgen, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

The Effects of Basic Body Awareness Therapy Added to a Corrective Exercise Program on Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Posture in Adolescents With Postural Hyperkyphosis

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the additional benefits of Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) when combined with a corrective exercise program for adolescents with postural hyperkyphosis. Postural hyperkyphosis, defined as a thoracic kyphosis angle of 40 degrees or greater, often leads to physical misalignments and psychosocial issues such as decreased self-esteem and poor body image during adolescence. Participants will be randomly assigned to either Group A (Experimental) or Group B (Control) using a stratified block randomization method. Both groups will participate in a 12-week intervention consisting of supervised Schroth corrective exercises performed twice weekly. Group A will additionally receive one session per week of BBAT, a physiotherapy method focusing on movement quality, mental awareness, and the integration of physical and mental self-awareness through lying, sitting, standing, and walking exercises. Group B will receive Autogenic Training, a systematic relaxation technique, as an active control. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the 12-week program. The primary outcome measures include body awareness (Body Awareness Questionnaire), aesthetic perception of the spine (Kyphosis Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and digital posture analysis (PostureScreen Mobile). Secondary outcomes involve clinical measurements of kyphosis (Flexicurve and Wall-Occiput Distance), dynamic and static balance (Y-Balance Test and Single-Leg Stance Test), thoracic joint position sense, health-related quality of life (SRS-30), and pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale). The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how mindfulness and movement awareness can enhance traditional physical rehabilitation for spinal postural disorders.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the impact of integrating Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) into a corrective exercise protocol for adolescents with postural hyperkyphosis. Postural hyperkyphosis is defined in this study as a thoracic kyphosis angle of 40 degrees or greater. The research explores how this combined approach affects physical posture as well as psychosocial variables like body image and self-esteem. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group (Group A) or the control group (Group B) using stratified block randomization based on age and gender. Both groups will undergo a 12-week intervention consisting of supervised Schroth corrective exercises performed twice weekly in a clinical setting. Group A will receive an additional weekly session of BBAT. This intervention focuses on movement quality and the integration of mental and physical self-awareness through a series of lying, sitting, standing, and walking exercises. Group B will serve as the active control group and will receive Autogenic Training, which is a systematic relaxation technique, in addition to their corrective exercises. Evaluations will be performed at baseline and after the 12-week intervention period. Clinical assessments include digital posture analysis via PostureScreen Mobile and measurement of the thoracic kyphosis angle using the Flexicurve method and Wall-Occiput Distance. Dynamic and static balance will be assessed using the Y-Balance Test and the Single-Leg Stance Test. Furthermore, the study will measure thoracic joint position sense through active repositioning tests. Psychosocial and quality-of-life data will be gathered using the Body Awareness Questionnaire, the Kyphosis Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the SRS-30 questionnaire.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
60

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

  • Turkey (Türkiye)
      • Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34500
        • İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa
        • Contact:
          • Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen, Assoc. Prof.
          • Phone Number: 905526830479
          • Email: azengin@iuc.edu.tr

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Child
  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years.
  • Diagnosis of postural hyperkyphosis confirmed by a thoracic kyphosis angle of 40 degrees or greater.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Diagnosis of congenital or rigid spinal deformities, such as Scheuermann's kyphosis.
  • History of major spinal surgery, severe spinal trauma, or significant orthopedic conditions.
  • Presence of diagnosed neurological or vestibular diseases that may affect balance or movement.
  • Use of spinal braces or other corrective orthotic devices during the study period.
  • Having received formal physiotherapy or a structured exercise program for posture within the last 6 months.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Group A
Participants in Group A will receive a multimodal program combining Schroth-based corrective exercises and Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT). The intervention includes posture-focused Schroth movements and BBAT elements such as body scanning, breathing awareness, and center-of-line stimulation. The intervention will be delivered twice weekly over 12 weeks, with an additional weekly group BBAT session, totaling 36 supervised 60-minute sessions by a certified physiotherapist
Other: Corrective Exercise and Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT)
This is a behavioral, non-drug intervention combining Schroth corrective exercises with somatic awareness through Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT). Movements emphasize movement quality, postural alignment, and improved self-perception of the body. The approach supports individualized progression (targeting 4-6 on a perceived difficulty scale) and complements conventional physiotherapy for adolescent hyperkyphosis.
Active Comparator: Group B
Participants in Group B will receive a program combining Schroth-based corrective exercises and Autogenic Training. Corrective exercises will be performed with the same intensity and frequency as Group A, adjusted to individual tolerance. Autogenic Training includes self-suggestion formulas for deep relaxation, focusing on sensations of heaviness and warmth. The intervention will be delivered twice weekly over 12 weeks, totaling 24 supervised 60-minute sessions by a physiotherapist.
Other: Corrective Exercise and Autogenic Training
This is a non-drug corrective exercise program tailored for adolescents with postural hyperkyphosis, combined with Autogenic Training for relaxation. It includes spinal strengthening and Schroth-specific postural corrections performed twice weekly. Additionally, participants perform Autogenic Training focusing on breathing, cardiac regulation, and abdominal warmth to support mental well-being alongside physical rehabilitation.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Body Awareness - Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ)
Time Frame: 12 weeks
The Body Awareness Questionnaire is an 18-item scale designed to assess a person's sensitivity to non-pathological bodily processes, such as body rhythms and changes in bodily states. Each item is rated on a 7-point Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 18 to 126. A higher total score indicates a greater level of body awareness. This measure will evaluate how the interventions influence the participants' internal perception of their bodies.
12 weeks
Aesthetic Perception of the Spine - Kyphosis Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (KSAQ)
Time Frame: 12 weeks
The Kyphosis Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire consists of 22 items specifically tailored to evaluate how adolescents with hyperkyphosis perceive the aesthetic appearance of their spine. The scale uses a 5-point Likert system where higher scores reflect a more negative perception of spinal appearance and higher treatment expectations. This tool provides insight into the psychosocial impact of postural changes and the perceived effectiveness of the treatment from the patient's perspective.
12 weeks
Self-Esteem - Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES)
Time Frame: 12 weeks
The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale is a widely validated 10-item instrument used to measure global self-worth and self-acceptance. Participants rate each item on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. It captures both positive and negative feelings about the self, providing a total score that reflects the individual's overall level of self-esteem throughout the therapeutic process.
12 weeks
Posture Analysis - PostureScreen Mobile (PSM) Assessment
Time Frame: 12 weeks
PostureScreen Mobile is a digital postural analysis application used to objectively quantify postural deviations. It measures shifts and tilts in centimeters or degrees by analyzing photos taken from anterior, posterior, and lateral views. The assessment focuses on identifying improvements in spinal alignment and the reduction of forward head posture or thoracic kyphosis after the 12-week intervention.
12 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle Measured by Flexicurve
Time Frame: 12 weeks
The Flexicurve is a non-invasive, flexible ruler used to measure the curvature of the thoracic spine. A physiotherapist molds the device to the participant's back, and the resulting curve is traced onto paper. The kyphosis angle is then calculated using a mathematical formula based on the height and length of the curve. Higher degrees indicate a greater degree of postural hyperkyphosis.
12 weeks
Wall-Occiput Distance (WOD)
Time Frame: 12 weeks
This measurement is used to assess the severity of forward head posture and upper thoracic curvature. The participant stands with their heels and back against a wall, and the horizontal distance between the occiput (the back of the head) and the wall is measured in centimeters using a standard ruler. A distance of 0 cm is considered normal, while higher values indicate increased postural deviation.
12 weeks
Y-Balance Test (YBT)
Time Frame: 12 weeks
The Y-Balance Test is a tool used to measure dynamic balance and functional reach. Participants stand on one leg and reach with the other leg in three directions: anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral. The reach distances are recorded and normalized to the participant's leg length to provide a comprehensive balance score. Higher scores represent better dynamic postural control.
12 weeks
Single-Leg Stance Test (SLS)
Time Frame: 12 weeks
The Single-Leg Stance Test assesses static postural stability. Participants are asked to stand on one leg with their eyes open and then with their eyes closed. The duration they can maintain this position without the non-weight-bearing foot touching the ground or using their arms for balance is recorded in seconds, up to a maximum of 30 or 60 seconds. Longer durations indicate superior static balance.
12 weeks
Joint Position Sense
Time Frame: 12 weeks
Thoracic joint position sense will be assessed using an active repositioning test to evaluate proprioceptive accuracy. A neutral thoracic position will be established as the reference position. Participants will be instructed to perform thoracic movements in the specified direction and then return to the starting position with their eyes closed. Repositioning error will be determined as the difference between the target position and the reproduced position. One familiarization trial and three recorded trials will be performed, and the average value will be used for analysis.
12 weeks
Scoliosis Research Society-30 (SRS-30) Questionnaire
Time Frame: 12 weeks
The SRS-30 is a patient-reported outcome measure specifically designed for spinal deformities. It evaluates five domains: function/activity, pain, self-image, mental health, and satisfaction with treatment. The questionnaire consists of 30 items, each rated on a 5-point scale. Total scores range from 30 to 150, where higher scores reflect a better health-related quality of life.
12 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time Frame: 12 weeks
The NPRS is a subjective 11-point scale used to measure the intensity of back pain. Participants rate their pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). This provides a quick and reliable quantitative measure of how the interventions impact physical discomfort associated with hyperkyphosis.
12 weeks
Global Rating of Change (GROC) Scale
Time Frame: 12 weeks
The Global Rating of Change (GROC) scale is a self-reported instrument used to assess a participant's perception of their overall improvement or deterioration over the course of the 12-week study. Participants rate their change on an 11-point or 15-point scale (commonly ranging from -7 "a very great deal worse" to 0 "no change" to +7 "a very great deal better"). This measure captures the clinical relevance of the intervention from the patient's perspective, beyond objective physical measurements. A higher positive score indicates a more significant perceived improvement in the participant's condition.
12 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen, Assoc Prof., Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
May 29, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
May 29, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
July 29, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
May 14, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
May 14, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
May 20, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
May 20, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
May 14, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • IUC-FTRYL-Tt26

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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