Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by a three-dimensional spinal deformity, affecting approximately 2-4% of adolescents worldwide and occurring more frequently in girls. Beyond spinal curvature, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis can negatively influence physical fitness, muscular strength, respiratory function, postural control, and participation in daily activities. These factors may reduce overall functional capacity and quality of life. Scoliosis-specific corrective exercises, including approaches such as Schroth and The Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis, have been shown to improve postural symmetry, slow curve progression, and enhance respiratory and psychosocial outcomes. However, the effects of these exercises on physical fitness parameters-such as muscle strength, flexibility, motor performance, and cardiorespiratory endurance-remain insufficiently studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of scoliosis-specific corrective exercises on physical fitness parameters in adolescents diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Measures of strength, flexibility, motor performance, and cardiorespiratory endurance will be assessed before and after the intervention. Findings from this study are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based conservative treatment protocols focusing not only on curve progression but also on functional capacity and overall fitness in adolescents with scoliosis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
40
An individualized scoliosis-specific corrective exercise program based on the Schroth method, delivered by a certified physiotherapist twice per week for 8 weeks.
Postural education and basic corrective exercise elements to be performed at home twice per week for 8 weeks.
Istinye University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGMuscle Strength
Muscle strength of the quadriceps, middle deltoid, and handgrip will be assessed using a handheld dynamometer. The change in strength from baseline to 8 weeks will be analyzed.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Aerobic Capacity
Aerobic capacity will be assessed using the Six Minute Walk Test. The 6 Minute Walk Test is a sub-maximal exercise test used to assess aerobic capacity and endurance. The distance covered over a time of 6 minutes is used as the outcome by which to compare changes in performance capacity. The total meter of completed laps will be recorded, and the change from baseline to 8 weeks will be analyzed.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Sit and Reach Test
Flexibility of the lower extremity and trunk will be assessed with the Sit-and-Reach Test. Scores will be recorded in centimeters, and changes from baseline to 8 weeks will be evaluated.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Shoulder Mobility Test
Upper extremity flexibility will be assessed using the Shoulder Mobility Test. The distance between fingertips will be recorded as positive or negative values. Changes between baseline and 8 weeks will be analyzed.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Y-Balance Test
Dynamic balance performance will be measured using the Y-Balance Test in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral). Reach distances will be normalized to leg length. Change from baseline to 8 weeks will be evaluated.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Body mass index
Body mass index will be calculated to assess general adiposity. Body mass index will be computed as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). Participants will be classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) Body mass index categories.
Time frame: 8 weeks
waist circumference
Waist circumference will be measured to evaluate central (abdominal) adiposity. Measurements will be taken using a non-elastic tape measure placed horizontally at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest. Participants will stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed. The measurement will be recorded at the end of a normal expiration to the nearest 0.1 cm.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Hip Circumference waist circumference
Hip circumference will be measured to assess gluteofemoral adiposity. A non-elastic tape measure will be placed horizontally around the widest part of the buttocks, ensuring the tape remains parallel to the floor. Participants will stand in a relaxed position, and the measurement will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm without compressing the skin.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Neck Circumference
Neck circumference will be measured as an indicator of upper-body adiposity. Using a flexible, non-stretch tape, the circumference will be taken at the level just below the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple) while the participant stands upright and looks straight ahead. The tape will be positioned perpendicular to the long axis of the neck, and measurements will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Waist-Hip Ratio waist circumference
The waist-hip ratio will be calculated as an index of body fat distribution. Waist-Hip Ratio will be computed by dividing waist circumference (cm) by hip circumference (cm). Higher Waist-Hip Ratio values will indicate greater central fat accumulation and will be associated with increased cardiometabolic risk.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale
self-perception of spinal deformity will be measured using the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale. Scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater perceived deformity. Change over 8 weeks will be analyzed.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Scoliosis Research Society-22 Questionnaire Score
Quality of life will be assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire, which measures function, pain, self-image, mental health, and satisfaction. The total score of the SRS-22 ranges from 22 to 110, with higher scores indicating better quality of life. Total scores will be compared between baseline and 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
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