An interventional study of Kinesiology Taping and Sham Taping in Thoracic Hyperkyphosis, sponsored by Istinye University. Recruiting at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 18 Years to 35 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-10-22.
Sponsored by Istinye University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
Thoracic hyperkyphosis is a postural disorder characterized by excessive thoracic curvature exceeding 40°, which may negatively affect proprioception, postural alignment, and muscle mechanical properties. Kinesiology taping (KT) has been proposed as a non-invasive intervention to improve postural control and proprioceptive feedback through cutaneous mechanoreceptor stimulation. However, evidence regarding its immediate effects on thoracic proprioception and muscle mechanical properties in young adults with thoracic hyperkyphosis remains limited.
This sham-controlled randomized clinical trial aims to investigate the immediate effects of kinesiology taping on thoracic joint position sense, postural alignment, and muscle mechanical properties in young adults with thoracic hyperkyphosis. Muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity will be assessed using MyotonPRO, alongside measurements of thoracic proprioception and postural alignment.
The study will compare kinesiology taping with sham taping to determine whether kinesiology taping produces greater immediate improvements in these outcomes. The findings are expected to provide further evidence regarding the short-term sensorimotor and biomechanical effects of kinesiology taping in individuals with thoracic hyperkyphosis.
Istinye University is the lead sponsor of 216 studies on the registry; 92 are open to participants now.
Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.
Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.
Exclusion Criteria:
Participants in this group will receive kinesiology taping using elastic, latex-free tape targeting the thoracic paraspinal muscles (thoracic erector spinae), middle trapezius, and rhomboid muscles. Following skin preparation, taping will be applied bilaterally along the thoracic paraspinal muscles using a facilitation technique, with participants seated in slight thoracic extension. I-shaped or Y-shaped tape strips will be applied to facilitate scapular retraction. Tape tension will be standardized between 25% and 50%. Immediate effects will be assessed following the intervention.
Other: Kinesiology Taping
Yazma Participants in this group will receive sham taping over the same anatomical regions as the experimental group, including the thoracic paraspinal muscles and scapular retractors. The tape will be applied without tension (0%) and without any specific muscle facilitation or functional directional guidance. The tape will be placed on the skin solely to simulate the taping procedure and control for potential placebo effects. Immediate effects will be assessed following the intervention.
Other: Sham Taping
Application of elastic, latex-free kinesiology tape to the thoracic paraspinal and scapular retractor muscles using standardized facilitation techniques with 25-50% tape tension. The intervention aims to improve thoracic proprioception, postural alignment, and muscle mechanical properties.
Application of elastic tape to the same anatomical regions without tension (0%) or functional directional guidance. This procedure serves as a sham comparator to control for nonspecific effects of tape application.
Thoracic Joint Position Sense
Thoracic proprioception will be assessed using a joint position reproduction test. Participants will actively reproduce a target position corresponding to 50% of their maximum thoracic extension with their eyes closed. The absolute angular error (degrees) between the target and reproduced position will be measured using an inclinometer positioned at the T4 vertebral level. Three trials will be performed, and the mean absolute error will be recorded. Lower values indicate better proprioceptive accuracy.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Tone
Muscle tone will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device by measuring oscillation frequency (Hz). Measurements will be obtained from the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, thoracic erector spinae, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor muscles at standardized anatomical locations.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Stiffness
Dynamic muscle stiffness will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device and expressed in Newtons per meter (N/m). Measurements will be performed at standardized anatomical locations in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, sternocleidomastoid, thoracic erector spinae, pectoralis major, and pectoralis minor muscles.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Muscle Elasticity
Muscle elasticity will be evaluated using the MyotonPRO device through logarithmic decrement, a dimensionless parameter reflecting the dissipation of mechanical oscillations. Lower logarithmic decrement values indicate greater muscle elasticity. Measurements will be obtained from the selected cervical, thoracic, and shoulder girdle muscles.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Thoracic Kyphosis
Thoracic kyphosis will be assessed using the Flexicurve method. The spinal curvature between C7 and T12 will be recorded in a standardized standing position, and the thoracic kyphosis angle (degrees) or kyphosis index will be calculated using standardized procedures. Lower values indicate reduced thoracic kyphosis.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Craniovertebral Angle
The craniovertebral angle will be measured using standardized lateral digital photographs obtained in a natural standing posture. The angle (degrees) between a horizontal line through C7 and a line connecting C7 to the tragus will be calculated. Higher values indicate improved head and cervical postural alignment.
Time frame: 4 weeks
Wall-to-Occiput Distance
Wall-to-occiput distance will be measured in centimeters while participants stand against a wall in a standardized position, maintaining a neutral head posture. The distance between the occiput and the wall will be measured three times, and the mean value will be recorded. Lower values indicate improved sagittal postural alignment.
Time frame: 4 weeks
From the registry record's own update history. This site started tracking changes on Sep 25, 2026; for anything earlier, see the record history on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Eligibility is decided by the study team. Share this record with your doctor or contact the team directly.
Contact study teamGet an email when the registry record changes — status, dates, results — or when someone posts here.
Sign in to followQuestions and observations about this study, from anyone following it. Not medical advice, and not a channel to the study team — their contact details are on the registry record.
Sign in to join the discussion. Reading takes no account; posting does. You choose a display name, and a pseudonym is the default.
Nothing here yet. If you are running this trial, taking part in it, or weighing whether to, this is the place to say so.