The Effects of a Customized Exercise Program on Pain, Kyphosis Angle, and Quality of Life in Healthy Adults
Phase: NA
Conditions: Posture
Sponsor: Istanbul Rumeli University

 
 
Document date: March 10, 2026 
1. Study Title 
Effects of a Customized Posture-Corrective Exercise Program on Pain, Thoracic Kyphosis, Flexibility, 
and Quality of Life in Healthy Adult Men: A Randomized Controlled Study 
 
2. Background and Rationale 
Postural deviations such as increased thoracic kyphosis and scapular protraction are commonly 
observed in modern sedentary lifestyles. These alterations may contribute to musculoskeletal 
discomfort, reduced flexibility, and decreased quality of life. Exercise-based interventions focusing on 
posture correction have been suggested as an effective approach to improve spinal alignment and 
musculoskeletal function. However, evidence regarding the effects of short-term customized exercise 
programs on thoracic posture, pain, and functional parameters in healthy individuals remains limited. 
Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of a four-week customized posture-corrective 
exercise program on thoracic kyphosis, scapular posture, pain, flexibility, and quality of life in healthy 
adult men. 
 
3. Objectives 
Primary Objective 
To evaluate the effect of a customized exercise program on thoracic kyphosis angle. 
Secondary Objectives 
To investigate the effects of the exercise program on: 
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pain levels 
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scapular protraction 
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cervical anterior tilt 
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trunk flexibility 
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quality of life 
 
4. Study Design 
This study is designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups. 
Participants will be randomly assigned to: 
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Exercise group 

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Control group 
The intervention period will last four weeks. 
 
5. Participants 
Inclusion Criteria 
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Male participants aged 18–35 years 
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Healthy individuals without diagnosed musculoskeletal disorders 
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Individuals with postural deviations such as thoracic kyphosis or scapular protraction 
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Voluntary participation 
Exclusion Criteria 
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History of spinal surgery 
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Neurological disorders affecting posture or movement 
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Severe musculoskeletal pain 
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Participation in regular posture training within the last 6 months 
 
6. Sample Size 
A total of 60 participants will be included in the study. 
Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: 
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Exercise group (n = 30) 
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Control group (n = 30) 
7. Randomization 
Participants will be randomly allocated to the exercise or control group using a computer-generated 
block randomization method. 
The randomization sequence will be prepared by an independent researcher. Allocation assignments 
will be concealed using sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelopes, which will be opened after 
baseline assessments. 
 
8. Intervention 
Participants in the exercise group will receive a customized posture-corrective exercise program. 
The program will include exercises targeting strengthening and stretching exercises. The program will 
be applied twice per week for four weeks. Each session will last approximately 30–40 
minutes.Participants in the control group will receive no intervention during the study period. 
9. Outcome Measures 

Primary Outcome 
Thoracic kyphosis angle measured using a flexicurve ruler. 
Secondary Outcomes 
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Pain → McGill–Melzack Pain Questionnaire 
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Quality of life → SF-36 
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Scapular protraction → tape measurement method 
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Cervical anterior tilt → posture assessment 
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Trunk flexibility → flexibility test 
All measurements will be performed: 
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before the intervention 
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after the 4-week intervention 
 
10. Statistical Analysis Plan 
Statistical analyses will be performed using SPSS software (IBM SPSS Statistics). 
Descriptive Statistics 
Mean, standard deviation, and frequency values will be calculated. 
Normality Testing 
Data distribution will be evaluated using the Shapiro–Wilk test. 
Within-Group Comparisons 
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Paired sample t-test will be used for normally distributed data. 
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Wilcoxon signed-rank test will be used for non-normal data. 
Between-Group Comparisons 
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Independent sample t-test will be used for normally distributed variables. 
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Mann–Whitney U test will be used for non-normal variables. 
The statistical significance level will be set at: 
p < 0.05