Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
Conditions
Keywords
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Schroth Exercise
Brief summary
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of supervised Schroth exercises versus a home-based exercise program in adolescents with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).
Detailed description
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that develops in children aged 10-18, affecting approximately 0.47% to 12% of this population. If left untreated, curves between 10° and 45° may progress, leading to pain, breathing difficulties, postural problems, and reduced quality of life. Although bracing and surgery are traditional options, they have limitations. Physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE), particularly the Schroth method, are increasingly recommended as a first-line conservative treatment.
Interventions
OTHERSupervised Schroth Exercise
60-minute Schroth exercise sessions, 5 days/week for 12 weeks, delivered under one-on-one physiotherapist supervision. Includes 3D auto-correction, rotational breathing, postural stabilization, and curve-specific exercises (shoulder counter-pull, muscle cylinder, side-lying, sailing, prominent hip, Schroth walking)
OTHERHome-Based Schroth Exercise
Same 60-minute Schroth exercise program, 5 days/week for 12 weeks, performed at home without direct physiotherapist supervision. Participants receive initial instruction and an individualized exercise booklet.
Sponsors
Bitlis Eren University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
The primary outcome measure, Cobb angle, will be evaluated by an experienced radiologist who is masked to the participants' group assignment.
Intervention model description
Participants will be allocated to one of two groups using block randomization: 1) Supervised Schroth Exercise Group (SSEG), or 2) Home Exercise Program Group (HEPG).
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
10 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (idiopathic etiology) * Age between 10 and 18 years * Cobb angle between 10° and 45° * Able to participate in a 5-day/week exercise program (supervised or home-based) * Patient and parent/guardian provide written informed consent * Sufficient cooperation to comply with the study protocol and complete assessments
Exclusion criteria
* Non-idiopathic scoliosis (neuromuscular, congenital, functional, etc.) * Prior or planned spinal surgery * Neurological, rheumatological, metabolic, or cardiopulmonary disease that would interfere with participation * Brace treatment within the last 6 months or planned during the study * Regular scoliosis-specific exercise (more than 2 days/week) within the last 6 months
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Cobb Angle | Baseline and 3 months post-intervention | Change in the primary curve Cobb angle measured on standing posteroanterior full-spine radiographs, assessed at baseline and 3 months post-intervention. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Trunk Rotation Angle (ATR) | Baseline and 12 weeks | Change in angle of trunk rotation measured using a scoliometer during the Adam's Forward Bend Test. |
| Change in Thoracic Kyphosis | Baseline and 12 weeks | Change in thoracic kyphosis angle measured using an inclinometer at T1-T2 and T12-L1 levels. |
| Change in Lumbar Lordosis | Baseline and 12 weeks | Change in lumbar lordosis angle measured using an inclinometer at T12-L1 and S2-S3 levels. |
| Respiratory Function assessed by Spirometry (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, FEF25-75%) | Baseline and 12 weeks | Respiratory function will be assessed using a spirometry device. The following parameters will be recorded and analyzed: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), the FEV1/FVC ratio, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), and Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75% of FVC (FEF25-75%). |
| Change in Pain Level | Baseline and 12 weeks | Change in musculoskeletal pain/discomfort assessed using the Turkish-validated Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (T-CMDQ) \[19\]. The questionnaire evaluates discomfort in 18 body regions over the past week across three dimensions: frequency, severity, and functional impact on daily activities. A risk score is calculated for each body region by multiplying these three parameters. For bilaterally assessed regions, the higher of the two side-specific scores is used in the analysis. Higher scores indicate worse outcomes. |
| Change in Quality of Life | Baseline and 12 weeks | Change in health-related quality of life assessed using the Turkish-validated Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of five domains: function, pain, self-image, mental health, and treatment satisfaction. Each item is scored from 1 (worst) to 5 (best); domain and total scores range from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate better outcomes. The treatment satisfaction domain will be assessed only at 12 weeks; other domains assessed at both baseline and 12 weeks. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Contacts
CONTACTMesut Arslan, PhD
Outcome results
None listed