Efficacy of Spinal Orthoses on Mobility in Older Adults With Hyperkyphosis

NCT ID: NCT06970470

Last Updated: 2025-05-22

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

75 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-06-30

Study Completion Date

2026-09-30

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

This study investigates whether wearing specific back braces (spinal orthoses) can improve movement and physical function in older adults (60 years and older) with hyperkyphosis, a forward curvature of the upper spine. By testing two types of braces, the study seeks to find effective ways to manage hyperkyphosis and enhance mobility, independence, and quality of life in this population.

Study Purpose

The purpose is to evaluate the impact of two types of thoracic spinal orthoses on functional mobility, which includes walking, muscle function, and overall physical activity. This information will help healthcare providers better understand how braces can be used to manage hyperkyphosis and improve daily functioning for older adults.

Who Can Participate?

The study will include adults aged 60 or older who have been diagnosed with hyperkyphosis. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:

1. Group 1: Participants will use the Triple-Adjustable Posture Corrector (TAPC), a brace designed to improve posture and reduce kyphosis.
2. Group 2: Participants will use the Generation Dynamic Osteoporosis Brace (G-DOB), another type of spinal brace targeting posture and mobility.
3. Control Group: Participants will not wear any brace.

How the Study Works

The study will run for 16 weeks. Participants in the brace groups will wear their assigned braces throughout the day, except during specific activities like bathing, sleeping, and swimming. No other changes to their daily routines will be required.

At the start and end of the study, participants will undergo assessments to measure their physical function and mobility. These assessments will include:

* Gait analysis: Evaluates walking patterns using advanced 3D motion technology.
* Muscle strength and joint function testing: Measures how well muscles and joints are working using isokinetic dynamometry.
* Muscle activity recording: Tracks how muscles respond during movement using surface electromyography (EMG).
* Physical activity monitoring: Captures activity levels using accelerometers, which are small devices that track movement.

Why Is This Study Important?

Hyperkyphosis can lead to challenges in daily life, such as difficulty walking, decreased balance, pain, and a higher risk of falls. While physical therapy and exercise are common treatments, many older adults need additional support to manage the condition. Spinal orthoses may offer a practical, non-invasive option to improve posture, reduce symptoms, and increase physical activity.

By comparing the effects of these two braces, the study aims to:

1. Determine whether these orthoses improve functional mobility, such as walking and muscle performance.
2. Provide evidence to guide healthcare professionals in using braces to treat hyperkyphosis.
3. Develop a standardized approach for incorporating orthoses into the care of older adults with this condition.

Benefits for Participants

While the study focuses on research, participants may also experience direct benefits, such as:

* Improved posture and comfort while moving.
* Increased awareness of their physical health and function.
* Access to state-of-the-art assessments and expert support throughout the study.

How Will Results Be Used?

The findings will inform healthcare providers about the potential benefits of using spinal braces for older adults with hyperkyphosis. If successful, this research could lead to:

* Better treatment plans for patients.
* Increased availability of braces tailored for older adults.
* Improved quality of life for people living with hyperkyphosis.

Key Takeaways for Patients and Families

* Hyperkyphosis is a manageable condition, and this study explores a promising new way to support mobility and independence.
* Participation involves wearing a brace during regular daily activities and attending two comprehensive evaluations.
* The study is safe, non-invasive, and designed to minimize disruptions to daily life.

This research offers an exciting opportunity to improve care for older adults with hyperkyphosis. By understanding how braces affect movement and strength, healthcare providers can develop better tools and strategies to support aging populations. Families and caregivers can also benefit from knowing there are new, evidence-based options to help their loved ones stay active and independent.

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

Objective: This study aims to present the protocol for evaluating the effects of spinal orthoses on the functional mobility of older adults with hyperkyphosis.

Design: This protocol outlines a randomized clinical trial with two intervention groups and one control group, to be conducted over 16 weeks. Participants will be older adults aged 60 years or older with a diagnosis of hyperkyphosis. They will be randomized to use one of two thoracic spinal orthoses (the Triple-Adjustable Posture Corrector or the Generation Dynamic Osteoporosis Brace). The intervention will involve continuous orthosis use, excluding aquatic activities, bathing, and sleep. Assessments will occur before and after the intervention period. Functional mobility will be measured through biomechanical parameters such as gait, joint torque, muscle activation, and physical activity levels, using 3D motion analysis, isokinetic dynamometry, surface electromyography, and accelerometry.

Conclusion: This study will evaluate the impact of spinal orthoses on the functional mobility of older adults with hyperkyphosis, enabling the development of a clinical application methodology for this population.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Hyperkyphosis

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

FACTORIAL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Investigators

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

Triple-Adjustable Posture Corrector - Thoracic Spinal Orthosis (Mercur®, Brazil)

This intervention involves the daily use of the Triple-Adjustable Posture Corrector, a thoracic spinal orthosis manufactured by Mercur® (Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil). The orthosis is used for postural support in older adults with hyperkyphosis. Participants will wear the orthosis for at least four hours per day during waking hours, excluding aquatic activities, bathing, and sleeping.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Triple-Adjustable Posture Corrector Manufacturer: Mercur®, Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil

Intervention Type DEVICE

The Triple-Adjustable Posture Corrector is a thoracic spinal orthosis designed to provide biomechanical support and postural correction in individuals with excessive thoracic kyphosis. It consists of elastic and adjustable non-rigid bands positioned around the shoulders and thorax, allowing individualized tension regulation. The brace promotes scapular retraction and axial alignment by increasing proprioceptive feedback and limiting thoracic flexion.

Participants randomized to this intervention will be instructed to wear the orthosis for a minimum of four consecutive hours per day, during waking hours, for 16 weeks. The orthosis is to be removed during bathing, aquatic activities, and sleep. Individualized fitting will be provided at baseline by trained personnel, following the manufacturer's guidelines. Adherence will be monitored through self-reported daily logbooks. Participants will be advised to report discomfort, adverse effects, or perceived benefits.

The primary clinical obje

Generation Dynamic Osteoporosis Brace.

This intervention involves the daily use of the Generation Dynamic Osteoporosis Brace, a thoracic spinal orthosis manufactured by Bort® (Weinstadt, Germany). Participants will wear the orthosis for at least four hours per day during waking hours, excluding aquatic activities, bathing, and sleeping.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Generation Dynamic Osteoporosis Brace Manufacturer: Bort®, Weinstadt, Germany

Intervention Type DEVICE

The Generation Dynamic Osteoporosis Brace is a semi-rigid thoracic orthosis designed to stabilize the spine and counteract the progression of hyperkyphosis, especially in populations at risk for vertebral fragility. The brace is composed of lightweight, breathable material, with anterior and posterior structural support and adjustable tension straps. It is intended to reduce spinal flexion, improve sagittal alignment, and facilitate back extensor activation.

Participants assigned to this group will wear the orthosis for a minimum of four hours daily during waking hours, excluding sleep and aquatic activities, over a 16-week period. The orthosis will be individually fitted at the initial session by a trained physical therapist, following manufacturer protocols to ensure comfort, stability, and effectiveness. Participants will receive a daily logbook to record usage duration, comfort level, and perceived effects. Adherence will be monitored weekly.

The brace is intended to improve trun

No Intervention - Control Group

Participants in this group will not use any spinal orthosis during the study period but will undergo the same biomechanical and functional assessments as the intervention groups.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.

Triple-Adjustable Posture Corrector Manufacturer: Mercur®, Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil

The Triple-Adjustable Posture Corrector is a thoracic spinal orthosis designed to provide biomechanical support and postural correction in individuals with excessive thoracic kyphosis. It consists of elastic and adjustable non-rigid bands positioned around the shoulders and thorax, allowing individualized tension regulation. The brace promotes scapular retraction and axial alignment by increasing proprioceptive feedback and limiting thoracic flexion.

Participants randomized to this intervention will be instructed to wear the orthosis for a minimum of four consecutive hours per day, during waking hours, for 16 weeks. The orthosis is to be removed during bathing, aquatic activities, and sleep. Individualized fitting will be provided at baseline by trained personnel, following the manufacturer's guidelines. Adherence will be monitored through self-reported daily logbooks. Participants will be advised to report discomfort, adverse effects, or perceived benefits.

The primary clinical obje

Intervention Type DEVICE

Generation Dynamic Osteoporosis Brace Manufacturer: Bort®, Weinstadt, Germany

The Generation Dynamic Osteoporosis Brace is a semi-rigid thoracic orthosis designed to stabilize the spine and counteract the progression of hyperkyphosis, especially in populations at risk for vertebral fragility. The brace is composed of lightweight, breathable material, with anterior and posterior structural support and adjustable tension straps. It is intended to reduce spinal flexion, improve sagittal alignment, and facilitate back extensor activation.

Participants assigned to this group will wear the orthosis for a minimum of four hours daily during waking hours, excluding sleep and aquatic activities, over a 16-week period. The orthosis will be individually fitted at the initial session by a trained physical therapist, following manufacturer protocols to ensure comfort, stability, and effectiveness. Participants will receive a daily logbook to record usage duration, comfort level, and perceived effects. Adherence will be monitored weekly.

The brace is intended to improve trun

Intervention Type DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

* Aged 60 years or older
* Clinical diagnosis of hyperkyphosis
* Ability to walk without assistive devices

Exclusion Criteria

* Cognitive impairment
* Inability to complete the proposed assessments
* Non-compliance with orthosis use during the intervention period
Minimum Eligible Age

60 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

Meet the organizations funding or collaborating on the study and learn about their roles.

Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos

OTHER

Sponsor Role collaborator

Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

Identify the individual or organization who holds primary responsibility for the study information submitted to regulators.

Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Learn about the lead researchers overseeing the trial and their institutional affiliations.

Rafael R Baptista, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Locations

Explore where the study is taking place and check the recruitment status at each participating site.

Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul.

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Site Status

Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul

Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Site Status

Countries

Review the countries where the study has at least one active or historical site.

Brazil

Central Contacts

Reach out to these primary contacts for questions about participation or study logistics.

Rafael R Baptista, PhD

Role: CONTACT

+5551999996331

Facility Contacts

Find local site contact details for specific facilities participating in the trial.

Rafael R Baptista, PHD

Role: primary

+5551999996331

Rodrigo A França, Master

Role: backup

+5551980241006

RAFAEL REIMANN BAPTISTA

Role: primary

+55513320-3844

References

Explore related publications, articles, or registry entries linked to this study.

Stegeman DF, Hermens HJ. Standards for surface electromyography: the European project "Surface EMG for non-invasive assessment of muscles (SENIAM)

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Yang S, Chen C, Du S, Tang Y, Li K, Yu X, Tan J, Zhang C, Rong Z, Xu J, Wu W, Luo F. Assessment of isokinetic trunk muscle strength and its association with health-related quality of life in patients with degenerative spinal deformity. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2020 Dec 9;21(1):827. doi: 10.1186/s12891-020-03844-8.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 33298028 (View on PubMed)

Dauty M, Delbrouck C, Huguet D, Rousseau B, Potiron-Josse M, Dubois C. Reproducibility of concentric and eccentric isokinetic strength of the shoulder rotators in normal subjects 40 to 55 years old. IES. 2003;11(2):95-100. doi:10.3233/IES-2003-0134

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Edouard P, Samozino P, Julia M, Gleizes Cervera S, Vanbiervliet W, Calmels P, Gremeaux V. Reliability of isokinetic assessment of shoulder-rotator strength: a systematic review of the effect of position. J Sport Rehabil. 2011 Aug;20(3):367-83. doi: 10.1123/jsr.20.3.367.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 21828388 (View on PubMed)

Valentini FA, Granger B, Hennebelle DS, Eythrib N, Robain G. Repeatability and variability of baropodometric and spatio-temporal gait parameters--results in healthy subjects and in stroke patients. Neurophysiol Clin. 2011 Oct;41(4):181-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neucli.2011.08.004. Epub 2011 Sep 13.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 22078730 (View on PubMed)

Kadaba MP, Ramakrishnan HK, Wootten ME, Gainey J, Gorton G, Cochran GV. Repeatability of kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic data in normal adult gait. J Orthop Res. 1989;7(6):849-60. doi: 10.1002/jor.1100070611.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 2795325 (View on PubMed)

Sasaki J, Coutinho A, Santos C, et al. Orientações para utilização de acelerômetros no Brasil. Rev Bras Ativ Fís Saúde. 2017;22(2):110-126. doi:10.12820/rbafs.v.22n2p110-126

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Kochhann R, Varela JS, Lisboa CSM, Chaves MLF. The Mini Mental State Examination: Review of cutoff points adjusted for schooling in a large Southern Brazilian sample. Dement Neuropsychol. 2010 Jan-Mar;4(1):35-41. doi: 10.1590/S1980-57642010DN40100006.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 29213658 (View on PubMed)

Koele MC, Lems WF, Willems HC. The Clinical Relevance of Hyperkyphosis: A Narrative Review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2020 Jan 24;11:5. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00005. eCollection 2020.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32038498 (View on PubMed)

Saghaei M. Random allocation software for parallel group randomized trials. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2004 Nov 9;4:26. doi: 10.1186/1471-2288-4-26.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 15535880 (View on PubMed)

Serrao M, Casali C, Ranavolo A, Mari S, Conte C, Chini G, Leonardi L, Coppola G, DI Lorenzo C, Harfoush M, Padua L, Pierelli F. Use of dynamic movement orthoses to improve gait stability and trunk control in ataxic patients. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2017 Oct;53(5):735-743. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.17.04480-X. Epub 2017 Jun 19.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 28627859 (View on PubMed)

Veiskarami M, Gholami M, Aboutorabi A, Ahmadi Bani M, Khamesi E. Motor Control Changes in Trunk Muscles after Using Anatomical Posture Control Orthosis in the Elderly Hyperkyphotic Subjects. JMR. Published online September 26, 2022. doi:10.18502/jmr.v16i4.10762

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Caetano GM, Santos Neto APD, Santos LSC, Fhon JRS. Risco de quedas e seus fatores associados na pessoa idosa hospitalizada. Rev bras geriatr gerontol. 2023;26:e230155. doi:10.1590/1981-22562023026.230155.pt

Reference Type BACKGROUND

Hosseinabadi M, Kamyab M, Azadinia F, Sarrafzadeh J. Effect of a Spinomed orthosis on balance performance, spinal alignment, joint position sense and back muscle endurance in elderly people with hyperkyphotic posture: A randomized controlled trial. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2020 Aug;44(4):234-244. doi: 10.1177/0309364620923816. Epub 2020 Jun 7.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 32507057 (View on PubMed)

Yao XM, Liu BB, Deng WY, Wang XH. The Awareness and Knowledge Regarding Sarcopenia among Healthcare Professionals: A Scoping Review. J Frailty Aging. 2022;11(3):274-280. doi: 10.14283/jfa.2022.7.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 35799432 (View on PubMed)

Seals DR, Justice JN, LaRocca TJ. Physiological geroscience: targeting function to increase healthspan and achieve optimal longevity. J Physiol. 2016 Apr 15;594(8):2001-24. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.282665. Epub 2015 Mar 11.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 25639909 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

Review additional registry numbers or institutional identifiers associated with this trial.

7.097.128

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

More Related Trials

Additional clinical trials that may be relevant based on similarity analysis.

Managing Kyphosis With Exercise
NCT06082739 RECRUITING NA
Physiotherapy After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery
NCT03036007 ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING NA