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

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.

• Corrective Exercise and Basic Body Awareness Therapy (BBAT) (Other): 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.
• Corrective Exercise and Autogenic Training (Other): 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.

Primary outcomes

• Body Awareness - Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) [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.
• Aesthetic Perception of the Spine - Kyphosis Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (KSAQ) [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.
• Self-Esteem - Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) [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.
• Posture Analysis - PostureScreen Mobile (PSM) Assessment [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.

Secondary outcomes

• Thoracic Kyphosis Angle Measured by Flexicurve [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.
• Wall-Occiput Distance (WOD) [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.
• Y-Balance Test (YBT) [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.
• Single-Leg Stance Test (SLS) [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.
• Joint Position Sense [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.
• Scoliosis Research Society-30 (SRS-30) Questionnaire [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.
• Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) [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.
• Global Rating of Change (GROC) Scale [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.

Sex: All, ages: 10 Years to 18 Years

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.

• Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen, Assoc Prof., Principal investigator, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa