The study aims to: 1. Investigate the effect of virtual reality on kyphotic angle in adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis. 2. Investigate the effect of virtual reality on quality of life in adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis. 3. Investigate the effect of virtual reality on the enjoyment level in adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis.
The adolescent period is marked by rapid physical changes that increase vulnerability to poor posture, potentially leading to chronic pain and spinal deformities in adulthood. High prevalence rates of incorrect posture (65%) necessitate early diagnosis and intervention, including suitable treatment and rehabilitation programs. Traditional physiotherapy techniques often struggle with adolescent engagement, prompting exploration of VR-based exercise therapy, which has demonstrated improved user adherence and effectiveness in addressing postural disorders. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR training on the kyphotic angle in adolescents with thoracic hyperkyphosis, presenting a novel therapeutic strategy that enhances adherence among those resistant to conventional methods.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
46
treatment will last for 40-50 minutes, 3 days a week for 12 weeks Exercises will include: * Chin tuck * Stretching of neck extensor muscles * Stretching of pectoral muscle groups in standing and supine positions * T, Y, W and I exercises in a prone position. * Postural perception training (PPT) * Thoracic self-mobilization
Meta Quest 3 is an Mixed Reality headset providing augmented reality and virtual reality capabilities, allowing users to engage in both physical and virtual environments. Participants will play the "Totally Basketball" game, which promotes upper body engagement and postural correction through movements focusing on cervical retraction, scapular stabilization, and thoracic extension. The virtual reality sessions will last 20 minutes, scheduled after 30 to 45 minutes of conventional exercises, three times a week for eight weeks. Each session includes an introduction to the headset, a safety briefing, supervised trials, and active gameplay aimed at addressing thoracic hyperkyphosis with physiotherapist oversight to ensure safety and proper technique.
out-patient clinic, faculty of physical therapy, Cairo university
Cairo, Egypt
RECRUITINGassessment of Kyphotic Angle
Kyphotic angle assessment using a bubble inclinometer involves the following steps: firstly, zero the inclinometer on a vertical wall. Next, identify the spinous processes of C7, T1, T12, and L1. Place the cephalic foot of the inclinometer on the C7 spinous process, then repeat for the lower thoracic spine with the caudal foot on T12. The kyphosis angle is calculated by adding the angles from both inclinometer placements.
Time frame: At baseline and after 12 weeks
assessment of Quality of Life
The questionnaire will be administered twice: at baseline and post-intervention, with participants receiving a printed Arabic copy and instructions for completion. The Arabic Kidscreen-27 includes 27 items across five dimensions: physical health (5 items), psychological health (7 items), autonomy and parents (7 items), peers and social support (4 items), and school and environment (4 items). Responses use a five-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life. Completion is estimated to take 10-15 minutes.
Time frame: At baseline and after 12 weeks
assessment of Participant Enjoyment
Participant enjoyment assessment using a 7-point Likert scale: A 7-point Likert scale will be administered in person, immediately following each virtual reality session. The patient will rate his enjoyment level according to the following: How enjoyable do you find the session? 1=very enjoyable, 2=slightly enjoyable, 3=enjoyable, 4=neutral, 5=unenjoyable, 6= slightly unenjoyable, and 7= very unenjoyable
Time frame: At baseline and after 12 weeks
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