Scoliosis-Specific Exercises on Physical Fitness Parameters

Istinye University

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Scoliosis Idiopathic Adolescent Treatment; Scoliosis Idiopathic Adolescent

Treatments: Behavioral: Scoliosis-Specific Corrective Exercise Program; Behavioral: Postural Education and Basic Corrective Exercises

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07249502

25-119

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Enrollment: 40 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 10 to 19 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis confirmed by an orthopedic specialist
• Cobb angle between 10° and 45° on standing anteroposterior radiograph
• Age between 10 and 19 years
• No prior history of scoliosis-specific exercise treatment
• Ability to participate regularly in the exercise program -Voluntary willingness to participate in the study -

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of mental, rheumatologic, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, or pulmonary disorders
• Pain or orthopedic conditions that prevent participation in exercise
• Visual and/or hearing impairments affecting communication or assessment
• History of spinal surgery, spinal tumor, or related interventions
• Any medical condition for which exercise is contraindicated
• Communication difficulties that limit participation

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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40 participants in 2 patient groups

Scoliosis-Specific Corrective Exercise Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will receive an individualized scoliosis-specific corrective exercise program based on the Schroth classification. The program focuses on three-dimensional spinal correction and stabilization. Each participant will attend supervised sessions delivered by a Schroth-certified physiotherapist for 45-60 minutes, twice per week, for a total of 16 sessions over 8 weeks. Home exercises will also be prescribed and monitored for adherence.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Scoliosis-Specific Corrective Exercise Program

Postural Education Control Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Postural education and basic corrective exercise elements performed at home 2 times per week for 8 weeks.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Postural Education and Basic Corrective Exercises