An observational study in Postural Kyphosis, Spine and Assessment, Self, sponsored by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa. Recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 8 Years to 65 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2025-10-01.
Sponsored by Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa · Observational
This observational, cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the reliability of the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS) in patients with postural hyperkyphosis. The PHAS is designed to assess individuals' postural awareness and habits through four subscales. A total of 128 participants diagnosed with postural hyperkyphosis will complete the PHAS and the Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (KSSA). Test-retest reliability will be assessed by reapplying the PHAS after two weeks. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity will be analyzed. The study aims to provide a valid and reliable tool for evaluating postural awareness in clinical practice and future rehabilitation studies.
This study is designed to assess the reliability of the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS) in individuals diagnosed with postural hyperkyphosis. Postural hyperkyphosis is increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyles, prolonged sitting, and technological device use, leading to significant postural deviations and musculoskeletal complaints. Early detection and management of postural habits are essential to prevent long-term spinal deformities and functional limitations.
The PHAS was developed to systematically evaluate individuals' postural awareness and habits in daily life, focusing on factors that contribute to poor posture and spinal alignment. The scale assesses dimensions such as postural habits, awareness of posture-disturbing factors, positional awareness, and ergonomic considerations. However, its psychometric properties, particularly reliability in hyperkyphotic patients, have not yet been established.
This observational, cross-sectional methodological study will employ standardized psychometric methods to analyze the internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the PHAS. The scale's ability to produce stable and consistent results over time will be tested through repeated administration. Additionally, concurrent validity will be examined by comparing PHAS scores with the Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (KSSA), which measures patients' perception of their spinal deformity.
The findings will provide valuable insights into the scale's utility for clinical and research purposes. Establishing PHAS as a reliable tool could allow physiotherapists, ergonomists, and healthcare professionals to objectively assess postural habits and awareness, design personalized rehabilitation programs, and monitor treatment outcomes. Furthermore, the scale could be integrated into preventive strategies aimed at improving postural control and spinal health in both clinical practice and community settings.
Research Team:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Zengin Alpözgen (Principal Investigator) PhD. PT Kübra Kardeş (Istinye University) MSc PT Selin Uz Tunçay (Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa) MSc PT Merve Koyuncu Cenikli (Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa)
132 studies on the registry are indexed under Kyphosis; 31 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 128 is above the median of 62 across 45 observational studies indexed under Kyphosis.
Browse Kyphosis studies →Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa is the lead sponsor of 699 studies on the registry; 213 are open to participants now.
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The study population consists of individuals diagnosed with postural hyperkyphosis. Participants will include patients aged 8 to 65 years who have been clinically and radiologically confirmed to have postural hyperkyphosis with a Cobb angle of 50° or higher. All participants are expected to be capable of performing daily activities independently.
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Exclusion Criteria:
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Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Participants diagnosed with postural hyperkyphosis completing the PHAS and KSSA for reliability analysis.
Behavioral: PHAS Assessment
Participants will complete the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS) to assess postural awareness and habits. The scale will be administered twice, two weeks apart, to evaluate reliability.
Reliability of the Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS)
Internal consistency will be evaluated using Cronbach's Alpha. Test-retest reliability will be assessed by calculating the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) between two PHAS administrations. The PHAS consists of 19 items, each scored on a 5-point Likert scale (total score range: 19 to 95). Higher scores indicate better postural habits and awareness. Higher ICC values indicate better reliability.
Time frame: 2 weeks
Kyphosis-Specific Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (KSSAQ)
The KSSAQ is a 10-item, 5-point Likert scale (range: 1 to 5 per item, total score range: 10 to 50) designed to assess patients' perception of their spinal appearance related to thoracic hyperkyphosis. Higher scores indicate worse perceived deformity and greater concern about appearance. The correlation between PHAS and KSSAQ scores will be calculated to determine concurrent validity.
Time frame: Baseline
Plan to share: Undecided
No publications or documents are linked to this record.
Started Jun 2025 (actual). Primary completion is estimated for May 2026, 11 months after the start.
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