This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) compared with General Exercises in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis over a 12-month intervention period. Primary outcomes include Cobb angle progression and brace prescription rate. Secondary outcomes include trunk rotation, quality of life, self-image, and body symmetry.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that may progress during growth. Although PSSE is increasingly recommended in conservative scoliosis management, comparative randomized evidence remains limited. This study aims to compare PSSE-Schroth exercises with General Exercises in adolescents with mild idiopathic scoliosis over 12 months. Participants are randomized into intervention or control groups receiving matched exercise dosage and supervision. Outcomes assess radiographic progression, trunk rotation, need for bracing, and patient-reported clinical parameters.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
32
Participants performed individualized PSSE-Schroth exercises based on curve pattern, including corrective breathing, postural correction, and ADL training
Participants performed general strengthening and stretching exercises without scoliosis-specific correction.
Hasan Kalyoncu University
Gaziantep, Şahinbey, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Cobb Angle
Cobb angle will be measured on standing anteroposterior spinal radiographs using the standard Cobb method. The angle is defined as the intersection of lines drawn parallel to the superior endplate of the upper-end vertebra and the inferior endplate of the lower-end vertebra of the primary curve. Measurements will be performed at baseline and after the intervention period, and the change in Cobb angle (in degrees) will be calculated. Lower values indicate an improvement in spinal curvature.
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
Brace Prescription Rate
The proportion of participants requiring orthotic bracing during the study period will be recorded. Brace prescription will be determined by a specialist according to established clinical criteria (e.g., curve magnitude, skeletal maturity, and risk of progression). The rate will be expressed as the percentage of participants prescribed a brace in each group during the follow-up period.
Time frame: 12 Months
SRS-22 Questionnaire Score
Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Questionnaire (SRS-22). This validated instrument includes five domains: function/activity, pain, self-image/appearance, mental health, and satisfaction with management. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating better health status. Assessments will be performed at baseline and after the intervention period, and changes in domain and total scores will be analyzed.
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
TAPS Score
Trunk appearance will be assessed using the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS). This patient-reported outcome measure evaluates subjective perception of trunk deformity using a set of standardized drawings viewed from different perspectives. Each item is scored on a Likert scale, with higher scores indicating better perceived trunk appearance (less deformity). Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after the intervention period, and changes in TAPS scores will be analyzed.
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Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months
TRACE Score
Clinical trunk deformity will be assessed using the Trunk Aesthetic Clinical Evaluation (TRACE) scale. This clinician-rated tool evaluates visible asymmetries of the shoulders, scapulae, waist, and hemithorax. Each domain is scored based on the severity of asymmetry, and a total score is calculated, with higher scores indicating greater aesthetic deformity. Assessments will be performed at baseline and after the intervention period, and changes in TRACE scores will be analyzed.
Time frame: Baseline to 12 Months