This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of dance-based exercises on physical fitness, body image, and quality of life in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Twenty-four participants aged 10-18 years with a Cobb angle between 10° and 30° will be randomly assigned to either a dance-based exercise group or a control group. Both groups will perform conventional scoliosis exercises, while the intervention group will additionally receive dance-based exercise sessions for six weeks. Outcome measures will include body image, scoliosis-related quality of life, physical fitness, flexibility, trunk rotation, and enjoyment of physical activity.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity associated with physical and psychosocial impairments. Although conventional exercise programs are beneficial, maintaining long-term adherence may be challenging in adolescents. Dance-based exercise programs offer a potentially enjoyable and motivating alternative. This prospective randomized controlled study will include 24 adolescents with AIS aged 10-18 years. Participants will be randomly allocated into an intervention group and a control group (12 participants per group). Both groups will perform conventional scoliosis exercises, while the intervention group will additionally participate in dance-based exercise sessions for six weeks. Assessments will be conducted at baseline and after six weeks. Primary outcomes will include body image and health-related quality of life. Secondary outcomes will include physical fitness, flexibility, trunk rotation, and enjoyment of physical activity.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
24
Participants will receive dance-based exercise sessions for 6 weeks (one face-to-face and one online session per week) in addition to conventional scoliosis exercises.
Participants will perform only conventional scoliosis exercises for six weeks.
Istanbul Atlas University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Flexibility-Forward Bending Test
Spinal flexibility will be assessed using the Forward Bending Test. Participants will bend forward from a standing position with the knees fully extended and attempt to reach toward the floor. The distance between the tip of the middle finger and the floor will be measured in centimeters. Lower values indicate greater trunk and posterior chain flexibility.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Flexibility-Lateral Flexion Test
Trunk lateral flexibility will be assessed using the Lateral Flexion Test. Participants will perform maximal lateral trunk flexion to each side while standing with the knees extended. The distance reached by the tip of the middle finger along the lateral aspect of the thigh will be measured in centimeters. Higher values indicate greater lateral trunk flexibility.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 Weeks
Core Muscle Endurance-Trunk Flexion Test
The endurance of the trunk flexor muscles will be assessed using the Trunk Flexion Test. Participants will maintain the standardized trunk flexion position for as long as possible. Performance will be recorded as endurance time in seconds. Higher values indicate greater trunk flexor muscle endurance.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Core Muscle Endurance-Lateral Bridge Test
Lateral core muscle endurance will be assessed using the Lateral Bridge Test. Participants will maintain the side bridge position for as long as possible. Endurance time will be recorded in seconds, with higher values indicating better lateral trunk muscle endurance.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 Weeks
Core Muscle Endurance - Prone Bridge Test
Global core muscle endurance will be assessed using the Prone Bridge Test. Participants will maintain the prone bridge (plank) position for as long as possible. Performance will be recorded as endurance time in seconds. Higher values indicate greater global core muscle endurance.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 Weeks
Core Muscle Endurance- Modified Biering-Sorensen Test
The endurance of the trunk extensor muscles will be assessed using the Modified Biering-Sørensen Test. Participants will maintain the standardized horizontal trunk position for as long as possible. Performance will be recorded as endurance time in seconds. Higher values indicate greater trunk extensor muscle endurance.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 Weeks
Functional Exercise Capacity
6 Minute Walk Test
Time frame: Baseline and 6 Weeks
Dynamic Balance
Y Balance
Time frame: Baseline and 6 Weeks
Trunk Rotation
Thoracic and Lumbar Rotation Measurements
Time frame: Baseline and 6 Weeks
Body Image-Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale
Perceived trunk deformity will be assessed using the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale (WRVAS). The WRVAS is a patient-reported outcome measure consisting of seven items evaluating the perceived severity of spinal deformity through standardized illustrations. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale, yielding a total score ranging from 7 to 35. Higher scores indicate greater perceived spinal deformity.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 Weeks
Health-Related Quality of Life-Scoliosis Research Society-22 Questionnaire
Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Questionnaire (SRS-22). The questionnaire consists of 22 items evaluating five domains: function/activity, pain, self-image, mental health, and satisfaction with management. Each item is scored on a 5-point Likert scale. The total (or mean) score will be calculated, with higher scores indicating better health-related quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 Weeks
Enjoyment of Physical Activity
Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale
Time frame: Baseline and 6 Weeks
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