Posture, Proprioception, Core Stability, and Balance in Weightlifters

October 20, 2026 updated by: Aly İbrahim fathallah, Istinye University

Investigation of the Relationship Between Thoracic Kyphosis Angle, Proprioceptive Sensitivity, Core Stability, and Dynamic Balance in Weightlifting Athletes: A Cross-Sectional and Comparative Study

This study aims to examine whether the posture of the upper back (thoracic kyphosis) is related to body awareness, core stability, and balance in people who regularly participate in weightlifting. Participants will undergo assessments of thoracic posture, proprioception, core stability, and dynamic balance. The study will also compare these measurements between different groups of weightlifting athletes.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
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

Weight training is a form of exercise that places high mechanical loads on the musculoskeletal system and particularly affects spinal biomechanics. Prolonged and repetitive loading may lead to postural adaptations and changes in spinal alignment. In particular, increases in the thoracic kyphosis angle have been reported to have important effects on spinal stability, muscle activation patterns, and neuromuscular control.

An increase in thoracic kyphosis is not only a structural postural change but may also represent a functional condition that can affect the efficiency of the proprioceptive system. Proprioception, including joint position sense and movement control, is a fundamental component of motor control and plays a critical role in movement performance and injury risk. Changes in spinal posture may affect proprioceptive feedback mechanisms and potentially lead to impaired movement control.

In addition, core stability is considered an important biomechanical component for the distribution of spinal loads, force transfer to the extremities, and postural control. Insufficient activation of the core musculature or impaired neuromuscular control may contribute to decreased physical performance and an increased risk of injury.

Dynamic balance is also an important determinant of athletic performance and is closely related to proprioceptive function and core stabilization mechanisms. Functional tests involving lower-extremity and trunk control can be used to assess neuromuscular control and its functional manifestation in athletes.

However, the available literature suggests that studies comprehensively investigating the relationship between thoracic kyphosis angle, proprioceptive sensitivity, core stability, and dynamic balance in weight-training athletes are limited. Existing studies have generally examined these variables individually, while research addressing the relationship between posture, neuromuscular control, and functional performance as an integrated framework remains limited.

Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between thoracic kyphosis angle and proprioceptive sensitivity, core stability, and dynamic balance in weight-training athletes, and to compare these parameters among individuals with different levels of thoracic kyphosis. The findings are expected to contribute to understanding the potential association between postural changes and functional performance and may provide information relevant to injury-prevention strategies in athletes.

Objectives:

  1. To investigate the relationships between thoracic kyphosis angle and proprioceptive sensitivity, core stability, and dynamic balance in weight-training athletes.
  2. To compare proprioceptive sensitivity, core stability, and dynamic balance among groups categorized according to thoracic kyphosis angle.
  3. To investigate the potential associations between thoracic postural changes, neuromuscular control, and functional performance, and to evaluate their potential clinical relevance to injury risk and athletic performance.

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.
Observational

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

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)
    • Zeytinburnu
      • Istanbul, Zeytinburnu, Turkey (Türkiye), 34025
        • Recruiting
        • Istinye university
        • Contact:
          • Istinye university
          • Phone Number: 08502836000

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

18 years to 35 years (Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

Study Population The study population will consist of healthy adults who regularly engage in resistance/weight training. Participants will be required to have at least 2 years of regular weight-training experience and to perform resistance/weight training at least 3 days per week. Eligible participants will be individuals who are in good general health, are able to independently perform activities of daily living, and have sufficient cognitive capacity to understand and perform the study procedures. Participation will be voluntary, and written informed consent will be obtained from all participants prior to their inclusion in the study.

Individuals with a history of spinal surgery, structural spinal disorders, recent acute injuries affecting the lower extremities, spine, or upper extremities, or those receiving active treatment for chronic low back, neck, or shoulder pain will be excluded. Participants with neurological or vestibular disorders, as well as those using medications that

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Having regularly engaged in weight training for at least 2 years
  • Performing resistance/weight training at least 3 days per week
  • Being in good general health and being able to perform activities of daily living independently
  • Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing written informed consent
  • Having the cognitive ability to understand and perform the test protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Having a history of spinal surgery
  • Having a diagnosis of a structural spinal disorder
  • Having sustained an acute injury within the past 6 months affecting the lower extremities, spine, or upper extremities
  • Receiving active treatment for chronic low back, neck, or shoulder pain
  • Having neurological disorders (e.g., peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar disorders, etc.)
  • Having vestibular system disorders
  • Using medications that may affect proprioception or balance

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

  • Observational Models: OTHER
  • Time Perspectives: CROSS_SECTIONAL

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
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle
Time Frame: 4 weeks

Thoracic kyphosis will be assessed using a flexible ruler (Flexicurve). With participants standing in a neutral posture, the spinous processes of C7 and T12 will be identified by palpation. The flexible ruler will be moulded to the thoracic spinal contour, and the resulting curve will be traced onto graph paper. Thoracic kyphosis angle will be calculated using a standardized geometric method and expressed in degrees. Higher values indicate greater thoracic kyphosis.
4 weeks
Lumbar Joint Position Sense-Flexion Repositioning Error
Time Frame: 4 weeks

Lumbar joint position sense will be assessed using an active repositioning task. The examiner will passively position the participant at 30° of lumbar flexion and maintain this position for 5 seconds. After returning to neutral, the participant will close their eyes and actively reproduce the target position. The reproduced angle will be measured using a goniometer. Absolute repositioning error will be calculated as the absolute difference between the target and reproduced angles. The mean error across 3 trials will be expressed in degrees. Lower values indicate more accurate position reproduction.
4 weeks
Lumbar Joint Position Sense-Extension Repositioning Error
Time Frame: 4 weeks

The examiner will passively position the participant at 20° of lumbar extension and maintain this position for 5 seconds. After returning to neutral, the participant will close their eyes and actively reproduce the target position. The reproduced angle will be measured using a goniometer. Absolute repositioning error will be calculated as the absolute difference between the target and reproduced angles. The mean error across 3 trials will be expressed in degrees. Lower values indicate more accurate position reproduction.
4 weeks
Shoulder Joint Position Sense-Abduction Repositioning Error
Time Frame: 4 weeks

Shoulder joint position sense will be assessed separately for the dominant and nondominant sides. The examiner will passively position the arm at 75° of shoulder abduction and maintain this position for 5 seconds. After returning the arm to neutral, the participant will close their eyes and actively reproduce the target angle. The reproduced angle will be measured using a goniometer. Absolute repositioning error will be calculated as the absolute difference between the target and reproduced angles. The mean error across 3 trials will be expressed in degrees for each shoulder separately. Lower values indicate more accurate position reproduction.
4 weeks
Trunk Flexor Muscle Endurance
Time Frame: 4 weeks

Trunk flexor endurance will be assessed using the McGill trunk flexor endurance test. Participants will assume a supported seated position with the hips and knees flexed to 90° and the arms crossed over the chest. After the back support is removed, participants will maintain the prescribed trunk position for as long as possible. The test will end when the required position can no longer be maintained. Holding time will be recorded in seconds. Longer durations indicate greater trunk flexor endurance.
4 weeks
Trunk Extensor Muscle Endurance
Time Frame: 4 weeks

Trunk extensor endurance will be assessed using the Biering-Sørensen test. Participants will lie prone with the lower body secured to the examination table and the upper trunk unsupported beyond the table edge. With the arms crossed over the chest, participants will maintain the trunk in a horizontal position for as long as possible. The test will end when the required position can no longer be maintained. Holding time will be recorded in seconds. Longer durations indicate greater trunk extensor endurance.
4 weeks
Lateral Trunk Muscle Endurance
Time Frame: 4 weeks

Lateral trunk endurance will be assessed separately on the right and left sides using the side bridge test. Participants will support their body on the forearm, with the elbow beneath the shoulder and the feet stacked, while maintaining a straight body alignment. The test will end when the required position can no longer be maintained. Holding time will be recorded in seconds for each side separately. Longer durations indicate greater lateral trunk endurance.
4 weeks
Lower-Extremity Dynamic Balance
Time Frame: 4 weeks

Dynamic balance will be assessed using the Y Balance Test. While maintaining single-leg stance, participants will reach as far as possible with the opposite leg in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions. Reach distances will be recorded and normalized to the length of the stance limb, calculated as reach distance divided by limb length and multiplied by 100. Normalized reach distances will be expressed as percentages. Higher values indicate greater reach performance during the balance task.
4 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.
Istinye University

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 (Actual)

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.
October 15, 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.
December 1, 2026

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.
January 30, 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).
September 30, 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.
September 30, 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.
October 6, 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.
October 21, 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.
October 20, 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.
October 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.
  • 2026/125

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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