Which exercise fixes rounded back? small study pits back strengthening against core work
NCT ID NCT06888609
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study compared two types of exercise—back extensor strengthening and core stability—in 40 adults aged 18-40 with mild to moderate thoracic kyphosis (a rounded upper back). Participants did exercises for 6 weeks, and researchers measured changes in pain, spinal movement, posture, and disability. The goal was to see which approach works better for improving symptoms and function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- exercise therapy (back extensor strengthening and core stability exercises)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show which type of exercise is better for reducing pain and improving posture in people with a rounded upper back.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Exercise programs require consistent effort, and benefits may vary.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Apr 2025
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 40 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
DHQ Timergara & Batkhela
Malakand, KPK, 18300, Pakistan
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