Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Surface Electromyographic Analysis of Scapular Stabilizer Muscle in Postural Hyperkyphosis
Sponsor: Istinye University
Summary
Postural hyperkyphosis is characterized by an excessive thoracic kyphotic curvature and may alter scapular positioning, muscular balance, and upper extremity biomechanics. Scapular stabilizer muscles play an important role in maintaining postural alignment and ensuring efficient force transmission throughout the kinetic chain. Exercise-based interventions, including conventional postural exercises and the Schroth method, are commonly used in the conservative management of postural hyperkyphosis. However, evidence directly comparing scapular stabilizer muscle activation during these exercise approaches remains limited. The Schroth method is a three-dimensional corrective exercise approach incorporating active spinal elongation, postural correction, rotational breathing, and isometric muscle activation, whereas conventional postural exercises primarily focus on muscle strengthening, stretching, spinal mobility, and postural alignment. The aim of this study is to compare the activation levels of scapular stabilizer muscles, including the serratus anterior, rhomboids, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius, during Schroth-based corrective exercises and conventional postural exercises in young adults with postural hyperkyphosis using surface electromyography. Isometric muscle strength of the same muscle groups will also be evaluated. The study will focus on immediate muscle activation patterns during exercise performance rather than long-term treatment outcomes. The findings are expected to provide objective evidence regarding muscle recruitment patterns during different corrective exercise approaches and contribute to the development of more individualized and targeted exercise programs for individuals with postural hyperkyphosis.
Official title: Surface Electromyographic Analysis of Scapular Stabilizer Muscle Activity During Schroth-Based Corrective and Conventional Postural Exercises in Individuals With Postural Hyperkyphosis
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 35 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
50
Start Date
2026-10-30
Completion Date
2027-02-15
Last Updated
2026-10-29
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Traditional Postural Exercises
The traditional postural exercise protocol consists of two prone exercises targeting the scapular stabilizer muscles: prone T and prone I exercises. During the prone T exercise, participants will lie in a prone position with their shoulders abducted to 9
Schroth-Based Corrective Exercises
The Schroth-based corrective exercise protocol consists of two exercises: Kneeling Between Chairs and Standing in a Doorway. During the Kneeling Between Chairs exercise, participants will maintain a kneeling position between two chairs, with their upper extremities supported on the chairs. Active axial elongation, postural correction, scapular stabilization, and rotational angular breathing will be performed according to Schroth principles. During the Standing in a Doorway exercise, participants will stand in a doorway with their upper extremities positioned against the doorframe at shoulder level. Active axial elongation, scapular stabilization, thoracic expansion, and rotational angular breathing will be performed while maintaining the corrected posture. Scapular stabilizer muscle activation will be continuously recorded using surface electromyography during the exercises.
Locations (1)
Kubra KARDES
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)