This study aims to compare the effectiveness of supervised Schroth exercises versus a home-based exercise program in adolescents with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS).
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
62
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)
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.
Silivri Devlet Hastanesi, Fizik Tedavi Ünitesi
Siliviri, Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGChange in Cobb Angle
Change in the primary curve Cobb angle measured on standing posteroanterior full-spine radiographs, assessed at baseline and 3 months post-intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months post-intervention
Change in Trunk Rotation Angle (ATR)
Change in angle of trunk rotation measured using a scoliometer during the Adam's Forward Bend Test.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Thoracic Kyphosis
Change in thoracic kyphosis angle measured using an inclinometer at T1-T2 and T12-L1 levels.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Lumbar Lordosis
Change in lumbar lordosis angle measured using an inclinometer at T12-L1 and S2-S3 levels.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Respiratory Function assessed by Spirometry (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, FEF25-75%)
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%).
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Pain Level
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.
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Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks
Change in Quality of Life
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.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks