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Investigation of the Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques and Core Stabilization Exercises on Physical and Functional Parameters in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Investigation of the Effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques and Core Stabilization Exercises on Physical and Functional Parameters in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06759415
Enrollment
52
Registered
2025-01-06
Start date
2022-01-12
Completion date
2023-02-10
Last updated
2025-06-18

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Brief summary

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a prevalent three-dimensional torsional disorder, primarily affecting adolescents during puberty. Characterized by a lateral deviation of the spine greater than 10°, AIS can lead to physical and psychological issues, including back pain, cosmetic deformity, and reduced quality of life. This study aims to compare the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques and Core Stabilization exercises on physical and functional parameters in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 52 adolescents aged 10-18 years, diagnosed with AIS (Cobb angle of 10-30°). Participants were randomly assigned to either the PNF group or the Core Stabilization group. Both groups underwent a 10-week supervised exercise program, supplemented by a home exercise regimen. Primary outcomes included changes in the Cobb angle and Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR). Secondary outcomes assessed quality of life (SRS-22), perceived trunk appearance (WRVAS), and physical function (6MWT and STS).

Detailed description

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a prevalent three-dimensional torsional disorder, primarily affecting adolescents during puberty. Characterized by a lateral deviation of the spine greater than 10°, AIS can lead to physical and psychological issues, including back pain, cosmetic deformity, and reduced quality of life. This study aims to compare the effects of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques and Core Stabilization exercises on physical and functional parameters in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 52 adolescents aged 10-18 years, diagnosed with AIS (Cobb angle of 10-30°). Participants were randomly assigned to either the PNF group or the Core Stabilization group. Both groups underwent a 10-week supervised exercise program, supplemented by a home exercise regimen. Primary outcomes included changes in the Cobb angle and Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR). Secondary outcomes assessed quality of life (SRS-22), perceived trunk appearance (WRVAS), and physical function (6MWT and STS).

Interventions

OTHERExercise

Exercise therapy was applied to individuals in both groups.

Sponsors

Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

The outcome assessor did not know which group the participants were in.

Intervention model description

Participants were randomly assigned to either the PNF group or the core stabilization group using a computer-generated randomization list to ensure equal distribution of participants across the two groups.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
10 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Aged between 10 and 18 years old, 2. First-time diagnosis of AIS, 3. Risser sign of 0-3 and a Cobb angle of 10-30°, 4. Sanders classification of 0-6, 5. Lenke curve Type 1 or Type 1A, 6. Volunteered to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

1. The presence of other types of scoliosis (e.g., congenital or neuromuscular scoliosis), 2. a history of spinal surgery, 3. use of a brace, 4. contraindications for exercise (e.g., cardiovascular or respiratory disorders), 5. previous AIS treatment, 6. rheumatological diseases, and/or other neuromuscular problems.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Cobb24 weeksThe Cobb: Lines are drawn parallel to the upper edge of the superior vertebra and the lower edge of the inferior vertebra. Then, perpendicular lines are drawn to these parallel lines, and the angle between the two perpendiculars is measured. This angle, known as the Cobb angle, indicates the degree of scoliosis.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale24 weeksWRVAS: Perceived trunk appearance was evaluated using the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale (WRVAS), which assesses the cosmetic impact of scoliosis from the patient's perspective. The WRVAS consists of seven items, each scored from 1 (no deformity) to 5 (severe deformity), with a higher total score indicating a greater perceived deformity.
Trunk Rotation Angle,24 weeksTrunk Rotation Angle: The ATR was evaluated using a scoliometer and Adam's forward bend test. Participants were asked to bend forward, and the ATR was measured at the apical vertebrae of the curve. This measurement is sensitive to changes in the rotational aspect of the scoliosis deformity.
Scoliosis Research Society-2224 weeksScoliosis Research Society-22: Quality of Life was assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire, a validated self-report instrument that measures health-related QoL across five domains: function/activity, pain, self-image/appearance, mental health, and satisfaction with management. The total score is the average of the domain scores.

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026