Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Conditions
Keywords
Scoliosis, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, AR-based Rehabilitation, Augmented Reality Exercise Training, Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE), Schroth Method, Exercise Adherence, Body Awareness, Trunk Appearance Perception
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of augmented reality (AR)-based exercise training in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants are randomly assigned to either a control group receiving conventional Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) or an intervention group receiving AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth exercises. The primary outcomes include body awareness, trunk appearance perception, and exercise adherence. The study aims to evaluate whether AR-assisted training provides additional benefits over conventional therapy in improving postural control, perception, and compliance in scoliosis management.
Detailed description
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that may negatively affect posture, body image, and adherence to exercise-based rehabilitation. While Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) are widely accepted as a conservative treatment method, adherence and perception-related factors remain challenging. This study is designed as a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial comparing conventional PSSE-Schroth exercises with AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth training. A total of 30 adolescents diagnosed with AIS were enrolled and randomized into two groups: Control Group: received supervised PSSE-Schroth exercises. Intervention Group: received supervised AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth exercises. The intervention lasted 12 weeks, and participants were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention. Primary outcome measures include body awareness (Awareness-Body-Chart), trunk appearance perception (Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale, Spinal Appearance Questionnaire), and exercise adherence (Exercise Adherence Rating Scale). Secondary outcome measures include Cobb angle, vertebral rotation, pain intensity, and treatment satisfaction. The study hypothesizes that AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth training will enhance body awareness, improve trunk appearance perception, and increase adherence compared to conventional methods. This research may provide new insights into integrating digital technologies into scoliosis rehabilitation and contribute to developing innovative, patient-centered approaches in physiotherapy.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALConventional PSSE-Schroth
Participants performed conventional Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) for 4 weeks. The program consisted of one 45-minute supervised session per week complemented by home-based exercises. The exercises focused on posture correction, spinal alignment, and corrective breathing techniques according to standard scoliosis rehabilitation protocols.
BEHAVIORALAR-Assisted PSSE-Schroth
Participants performed Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) enhanced with augmented reality (AR) support for 4 weeks. The intervention included one 45-minute supervised session per week, plus home-based exercises. The AR system provided real-time visual and kinesthetic feedback during exercise sessions to improve body awareness, trunk appearance perception, and adherence.
Sponsors
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
Hasan Kalyoncu University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation to reduce assessment bias. Participants and care providers were not blinded due to the nature of the intervention.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly allocated to either the control group (conventional PSSE-Schroth) or the intervention group (AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth). Both groups received supervised exercise training over 12 weeks.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
10 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Adolescents clinically diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) Cobb angle between 10° and 30° Age range: 10-18 years No history of spinal surgery Ability to regularly participate in the exercise program Signed informed consent obtained from both participants and their parents
Exclusion criteria
Diagnosis of neuromuscular, congenital, or secondary scoliosis Previous history of spinal surgery Presence of severe cardiovascular, respiratory, or musculoskeletal conditions preventing participation in exercise Visual, auditory, or perceptual impairments that would hinder participation in augmented reality-based training Concurrent participation in another physiotherapy or rehabilitation program during the study period
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Body Awareness (ABC - Vücut Farkındalık Çizelgesi) | Baseline (T0) and 4 weeks after intervention (T4). | Body awareness will be assessed using the standardized Awareness-Body-Chart (ABC). Participants rate awareness of different body regions, and a total score is calculated. The outcome is the change in total ABC score from baseline (T0) to the end of intervention (T4, 4th week). A higher score indicates greater body awareness. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed