Comparing Back Extensor and Core Stability Training in Kyphosis

February 23, 2026 updated by: Riphah International University

Comparison of Back Extensor Strengthening Versus Core Stability Exercise in Patients With Thoracic Kyphosis

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

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Kyphosis is the normal forward curvature of our spine and when this curvature becomes excessively increased is referred to as hyper kyphosis or Hunch back. Its normal value is between 20 and 40 degrees. When the thoracic kyphotic angle exceeds 40 degrees, it is referred to as hyper kyphosis. The three main types of kyphosis often seen in individuals are postural, Structural and congenital. Postural kyphosis is caused by high external load on individual spine having overall poor muscle strength. Sagittal misalignment can be caused by poor posture while sitting and standing as well as prolonged sitting.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

40

Phase

  • 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 Locations

  • Pakistan
    • KPK
      • Malakand, KPK, Pakistan, 18300
        • DHQ Timergara & Batkhela

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

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 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.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • 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.

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
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Back Extensor Strengthening Exercises

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
  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
Other Names:
  • Hot Pack (15-20 mins) - Upper back & thoracic spine for relaxation
  • TENS (10 mins)- Applied to thoracic region for pain relief (Before & after exercises)
Experimental: Core Stability Exercises

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
  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
Other Names:
  • Hot Pack (15-20 mins) - Upper back & thoracic spine for relaxation
  • TENS (10 mins)- Applied to thoracic region for pain relief (Before & after exercises)

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Change in Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Time Frame: 12 Weeks
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
Time Frame: 12 Weeks
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
Time Frame: 12 Weeks
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)
Time Frame: 12 Weeks
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)
Time Frame: 12 Weeks
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

Collaborators and Investigators

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

Sponsor

Riphah International University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Ayesha Sadiq, MSPT (OMPT), Riphah International 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)

April 15, 2025

Primary Completion (Actual)

August 11, 2025

Study Completion (Actual)

December 31, 2025

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

February 20, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 20, 2025

First Posted (Actual)

March 21, 2025

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

February 25, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 23, 2026

Last Verified

April 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • REC-01003 Zahoor Ahmad

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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