Augmented Reality-Based Exercise Training in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis (AR-SCOLIO)

Hasan Kalyoncu University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Treatments: Behavioral: AR-Assisted PSSE-Schroth; Behavioral: Conventional PSSE-Schroth

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07201103

323S271

TÜBİTAK 1001 Projesi - 323S271 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of augmented reality (AR)-based exercise training in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants are randomly assigned to either a control group receiving conventional Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) or an intervention group receiving AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth exercises. The primary outcomes include body awareness, trunk appearance perception, and exercise adherence. The study aims to evaluate whether AR-assisted training provides additional benefits over conventional therapy in improving postural control, perception, and compliance in scoliosis management.

Full description

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that may negatively affect posture, body image, and adherence to exercise-based rehabilitation. While Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) are widely accepted as a conservative treatment method, adherence and perception-related factors remain challenging.

This study is designed as a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial comparing conventional PSSE-Schroth exercises with AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth training. A total of 30 adolescents diagnosed with AIS were enrolled and randomized into two groups:

Control Group: received supervised PSSE-Schroth exercises.

Intervention Group: received supervised AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth exercises.

The intervention lasted 12 weeks, and participants were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention.

Primary outcome measures include body awareness (Awareness-Body-Chart), trunk appearance perception (Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale, Spinal Appearance Questionnaire), and exercise adherence (Exercise Adherence Rating Scale).

Secondary outcome measures include Cobb angle, vertebral rotation, pain intensity, and treatment satisfaction.

The study hypothesizes that AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth training will enhance body awareness, improve trunk appearance perception, and increase adherence compared to conventional methods. This research may provide new insights into integrating digital technologies into scoliosis rehabilitation and contribute to developing innovative, patient-centered approaches in physiotherapy.

Enrollment: 30 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 10 to 18 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Adolescents clinically diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)

Cobb angle between 10° and 30°

Age range: 10-18 years

No history of spinal surgery

Ability to regularly participate in the exercise program

Signed informed consent obtained from both participants and their parents

Exclusion criteria

Diagnosis of neuromuscular, congenital, or secondary scoliosis

Previous history of spinal surgery

Presence of severe cardiovascular, respiratory, or musculoskeletal conditions preventing participation in exercise

Visual, auditory, or perceptual impairments that would hinder participation in augmented reality-based training

Concurrent participation in another physiotherapy or rehabilitation program during the study period

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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30 participants in 2 patient groups

Control - Conventional PSSE-Schroth

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants in this group received supervised conventional Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) for 4 weeks. The program included one 45-minute supervised session per week, complemented by home exercises. Established scoliosis rehabilitation protocols focusing on posture correction, breathing, and spinal alignment were followed.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Conventional PSSE-Schroth

Experimental - AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group received supervised augmented reality (AR)-assisted Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) for 4 weeks. The intervention included one 45-minute supervised session per week, supplemented with home exercises. Augmented reality technology was used to provide real-time visual and kinesthetic feedback, aiming to enhance posture correction, breathing patterns, and spinal alignment.

Treatment:

Behavioral: AR-Assisted PSSE-Schroth