Izmir Ekonomi Üniversitesi

This project aims to investigate the effects of different hyperextension braces (Jewett and Spinomed) on spinal mobility and posture. Hyperextension braces are commonly prescribed to limit spinal flexion and regulate load distribution, especially in cases of spinal injuries and postural disorders. However, their objective impact on spinal biomechanics remains unclear.
Purpose and Scope The study will be conducted on 30 healthy participants aged 18-35.
Spinal mobility, posture, and movement analysis will be assessed using a dual inclinometer and the PostureScreen mobile application.
Evaluations will be performed under three conditions:
* Without a brace
* With a Jewett brace
* With a Spinomed brace (applied in randomized order)
Assessments will include four-direction spinal mobility and postural analysis during daily life activities such as standing, squatting, and single-leg stance.
Hypotheses H0: Hyperextension braces do not restrict spinal mobility. H1: Hyperextension braces restrict spinal mobility. H2: Hyperextension braces do not alter body alignment during movements. H3: Hyperextension braces alter body alignment during movements.
Methodology
The study is designed as a cross-sectional trial.
Each measurement will be repeated three times. Data will be analyzed statistically using ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests depending on distribution.
Ethical approval has been obtained (Yalova University, Protocol No: 2024/4).
Expected Contributions Academic: Results are expected to be presented at the Congress of the International Society of Biomechanics (2025) and published in a high-impact Q1 journal such as Spine.
Clinical: Findings will provide objective data on the effectiveness of hyperextension braces, guiding clinicians and physiotherapists in brace selection.
Educational: The project will also contribute to the training of young researchers, offering hands-on experience in research design and execution

Lower urinary tract dysfunctions (LUTD) are disorders that can occur in the storage and voiding stages of bladder function other than neurological disease or lower urinary tract obstruction. Storage symptoms are increased or decreased voiding frequency, urinary incontinence, urgency and nocturia, while voiding symptoms are classified as hesitation, straining, weak stream and intermittent voiding. Other symptoms are holding maneuvers, feeling of incomplete voiding, post-voiding dripping, genital and lower urinary tract pain. Epidemiological studies show that the prevalence of LUTD is high in school-aged children, with rates as high as 22%. Very little is known about pelvic floor muscle training in children. Relaxation in the pelvic floor muscles is very important for the continuity of micturition and defecation functions. Respiratory function is one of the key elements in the relaxation of the pelvic floor. The relationship of the pelvic floor muscles with the diaphragm and their role in intra-abdominal pressure regulation have been demonstrated by many studies. In the adult population, it has been emphasized that the respiratory pattern should be corrected in pelvic floor dysfunctions and pelvic floor muscle training should be provided in those with respiratory problems. In the literature, rehabilitation programs for children with LUTD are treatment approaches in which respiratory and pelvic floor muscle training are applied together, but it has not been clearly stated which isolated approach is responsible for the resulting effect. In addition, these studies have emphasized that diaphragmatic exercises reduce or improve symptoms through the relaxation mechanism they create in the abdominal wall. However, unlike the literature, one of the aims of this study is to reveal the relationship between inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and LUTD.