ScoliosisMultiSETSNCT01610908
Multicenter Schroth Exercise Trial for Scoliosis
A study testing The Schroth exercises treatment and Global Postural Re-Education in people with Scoliosis, run by University of Alberta at 3 sites in Canada.
Trial summary
The primary aim of this multicenter randomized controlled trial is to compare the effect of a 6 month "Schroth exercise program combined with standard-of-care" to "standard-of-care alone" on scoliosis curve severity measured using the Cobb angle. Secondary aims include: 1. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 10 to 16 years, women only
- Conditions the study is for
- Scoliosis
- What is being tested?
- The Schroth exercises treatment and Global Postural Re-Education
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 158 participants
- Where
- 3 sitesCanada
- Study dates
- Apr 2011to 30 Dec 2020
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 10 to 16 years
- Women only
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
- Females
- 10° to 45° according to Cobb (scoliosis curve)
- with or without a brace
- ability to travel weekly to our lab
- skeletal maturity measured by Risser (0-3)
Who cannot join
- other type of scoliosis
- patients with curves > 50°
- surgical candidates
- patients who have had a corrective spinal surgery
- out-of town candidates, without possibility to travel to our lab
Trial locations and contacts
3 sites in 1 country.
Canada3 sites
Alberta Children Hospital
Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8
University of Alberta, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dept. Physical Therapy
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G2G4
CHU Ste-Justine
Montreal, Quebec, H3T 1C5
About this study
Official title: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Effect of Schroth Exercises to Standard Care on Curve Characteristics, Posture, and Quality Of Life in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis
The primary aim of this multicenter randomized controlled trial is to compare the effect of a 6 month "Schroth exercise program combined with standard-of-care" to "standard-of-care alone" on scoliosis curve severity measured using the Cobb angle.
Secondary aims include:
Read more
- To determine the effect of Schroth exercises at 6 months on secondary outcomes including quality-of-life, spinal appearance, objective posture and spinal muscle endurance measurements.
- To determine the efficacy of 6 months of Schroth therapy offered to control participants after completing 6 months in the standard-of care group (using subjects as their own controls)
- To determine if the effects of the 6 months supervised Schroth exercise program can be maintained after supervised therapy is terminated.
At Hopital Ste-Justine, the following secondary aims will be pursued to examine the preliminary evidence about the effect of Global Postural Re-education (to satisfy the local ethics committee request because Global Postural Re-education exercises were offered routinely to patients at that institution prior to the trial).
- To compare the effect and to quantify the treatment effect sizes of 6 months of "Global Postural Re-education exercises with North American standard Care consisting of only observation and bracing" to "Schroth exercises combined with North American standard care" and to "North American standard care alone" on scoliosis curve severity measured using the Cobb angle.
- To estimate the effect and quantify the treatment effect sizes of 6 months of "Global Postural Re-education exercises with North American standard Care" to "Schroth exercises combined with North American standard care" and to "North American standard care alone" on outcomes including quality-of-life, perceived spinal appearance, objective posture and spinal muscle endurance measurements.
- To determine if the effects of "Global Postural Re-education exercises with North American standard Care" can be maintained after discontinuing supervision.
- To estimate the feasibility of conducting a randomized trial focused on Global Postural Re-education exercises by quantifying enrollment rates, attendance at scheduled exercise sessions and compliance with the home exercises prescribed.
Read the detailed description
Multicenter Schroth Exercise Trial for Scoliosis (SETS study) Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a progressive 3D deformity of the spine. It is the most common orthopedic condition in adolescents. Of those with curves larger than 10°, 90% are females. Scoliosis often results in chronic pain, poor posture, function, and self-image.
Curves greater than 30° are braced or later surgically corrected. In Europe but not the Americas, small curves (<30°) are treated with exercises to prevent the need for bracing and moderate curves with bracing and exercises to prevent surgery. Bracing is uncomfortable and patients fear surgery. In contrast, exercises are generally well received.
Schroth exercises are the most studied scoliosis exercises and have achieved very good outcomes. Schroth was the first exercise approach to offer formal certification training. No randomized controlled trial has focused on the Schroth method. Only 1 randomized controlled trial and only 3 prospective controlled studies with important methodological flaws were included in a recent review of the effect of all types of scoliosis exercises that found that exercises slowed the worsening of scoliosis. A randomized controlled trial on Schroth exercises is needed.
Schroth exercises are asymmetric scoliosis-specific postural exercises and aim to improve the curve, posture, pain, function, and self-image. Schroth exercises target endurance and strength training of the abdominal, back, and leg muscles. Schroth exercises also aim to improve motor control of the posture by repeating corrective movements with progressively less feedback.
Objectives: (1) To compare the effect of 6 month "of Schroth exercises combined with standard-of-care" to "standard-of-care alone" on scoliosis curve severity measured using the Cobb angle.
Secondary aims include determining treatment effects on quality-of-life, spinal appearance, posture and spinal muscle endurance and monitoring if effect are maintained at long-term follow-ups.
See above for objectives corresponding to the secondary analysis planned at Hopital Ste-Justine.
Methodology:
Participants: Two hundred fifty-eight females with AIS will be recruited for this study from our scoliosis clinic. Females 10-16 years old with curves 10° to 45°, and Risser less than or equal to 3 will be included. Patients who are planning surgery, have had surgery, worn a brace or to be discharged will be excluded.
Procedures: Participants will be randomized to the standard-of-care group (observation of bracing if Boston brace criteria are met) or the Schroth exercise treatment group.
(At hospital Ste-Justine, only because of the ethics committee requested we include a third trial arm, we will randomize an equal number of subjects to each of the three trial arms (Global Postural Re-education, Schroth and Standard care) using the a variable blocked randomization specific to this site. This implies recruiting an estimated additional 52 patients to be randomized to the Global Postural Re-education group.) Outcomes will be measured by evaluators blind to randomization status at baseline and at 3 and 6 month follow-ups. The primary outcome is the spinal curvature angle on radiograph at 6 months. Secondary outcomes analyzed at 3, and 6 months include radiographs (Cobb angle, rotation), Scoliosis Research Society-22r quality-of-life domain scores (self-image, function, pain), spinal appearance questionnaire domain scores, postural measures (surface topography), and Sørensen back muscle endurance. Radiographs and Scoliosis Research Society-22 measures from routine scoliosis clinic visits will also be obtained from the clinic database until discharged from routine care. Measurement properties of all measures are adequate.
Standard-of-care subjects will be under observation or treated with bracing if they meet the Scoliosis Research Society bracing criteria for 6 months and then be offered the Schroth exercise treatment as a recruitment incentive necessary based on our pilot. Treated patients will receive supervised and standardized Schroth exercises combined with a home program in addition to standard of care for 6 months. Parents will be involved to enhance (and monitor) compliance. (At hôpital Ste-Justine only, one group will receive the 6-month supervised Global Postural Re-education intervention consisting of individual training sessions with a therapist combined with a home exercise program consisting of 1 or 2 exercises to perform twice weekly in addition the standard of care).
Analyses: Linear mixed models will be used to assess differences in group changes from baseline, to 3 months and 6-month, and adjusting for relevant covariates (including age, and risk of progression).
Expected findings: Schroth exercises will improve curve characteristics, quality of life, posture, pain, and muscular endurance in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The study team is integrated within the Edmonton scoliosis clinic, Montréal's Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine clinic and Calgary's Alberta Children Hospital Clinic. Research results can directly influence practice.
- Conditions
- Scoliosis
- Being tested
- The Schroth exercises treatment, Global Postural Re-Education
- Keywords
- Adolescent, Idiopathic, Scoliosis, Schroth, Exercises, Conservative treatment
- Medical subject headings
- Scoliosis, Motor Activity
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
The Schroth exercises treatmentOther
Also called Scoliosis specific exercises., The Schroth Approach.
The Schroth approach consists of 3D scoliosis-specific exercises based on sensorimotor and kinesthetic principles. The goal of Schroth exercises is to teach patients to consciously maintain the correct posture in daily living activities in order to improve the curve, pain, and self-image. To achieve this goal, Schroth exercises focus on endurance and strength training of postural muscles. Schroth exercises also aim to improve posture motor control by repeating corrective movements with progressively less feedback and less passive support.
Dosage: 5 individual 1-hour long sessions, continued with the daily 45 minutes home exercise program. In addition, patients are required to come weekly for 1-hour long group sessions over the span of 6 months.
Global Postural Re-EducationOther
Also called GPR, Ré-éducation posturale globale
The 6-month supervised Global Postural Re-education intervention involves active movements and postures aimed at realigning joints, stretching shortened muscles and enhancing the contraction of antagonist muscles, thus avoiding postural asymmetry. These postures imply an active participation of the patient. Global Postural Re-education includes eight therapeutic postures, lying, sitting or standing, held for 15/20 min. each. Variously combinations are used during sessions chosen on based on the amount of pain, load capacity, age of the patient, and muscle chains to be stretched. Static and dynamic functions are also employed for about five minutes each sessions to use the recovered flexibility in functional activities Dosage: Weekly individual 1-hour long sessions, with daily 15 minutes home exercise program over 6 months.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth exercises | Experimental | The experimental group receives the Schroth exercises treatment.Patients in this arm receive 5 individual sessions with a Schroth therapist for introduction to the approach. They they receive a home program consisting of 3-4 exercises to do at home everyday for 30-45 minutes. They come to weekly group therapy sessions to where exercise prescription is adjusted. Receives: Other: The Schroth exercises treatment |
| Standard of care | No intervention | "The Standard of care" is a control group that will continue receiving the standard North American treatment prescribed by a surgeon (observation or brace [if meeting SRS criteria]) for of 6 months. After 6 months, the participants will receive the Schroth exercises intervention for 6 months. |
| Global Postural Re-education (Montréal) | Active comparator | The active group (in Montréal only) receives the Global Postural Re-Education exercises treatment.Patients in this arm come to weekly individual 1 hour long therapy sessions where exercise prescription is adjusted. Selection of posture exercises is based on scoliosis type, on muscular chain stiffness associated with posture alterations and on position increasing scoliosis or pain (lying, sitting, standing).
They they receive a 15-min home program consisting of 1 to 2 exercises to do at home everyday. Receives: Other: Global Postural Re-Education |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Cobb angle
The angle from a posterior anterior full spine radiographs between the upper endplate of the upper end vertebra of the largest curve and the lower endplate of the lower end vertebra from the largest curve.
Measured: From baseline to 6 months
Secondary outcomes (8)
Change in Vertebral rotation
Using a posterior-anterior radiograph and a semi-automated algorithm in Matlab the rotation of the most rotated vertebra in the curve will be extracted. The algorithm relies on the semi-automated identification of the position of the the pedicles vs the edges of the vertebral body.
Measured: Change from baseline to 6 months
Change in Back muscle endurance
Using Sørensen back muscle endurance test, we record the time until fatigue to maintain the torso unsupported from the waist up horizontally against gravity with the arms crossed against the chest and the head and neck maintained aligned with the trunk. Leg are maintained firmly against the bed using gait belts tightened against a treatment table. The test stops if patients lose the ability to maintain the position after one reminder for good form or if they personally ask to stop because of pain or fatigue.
Measured: From baseline, to 3 months and to 6 months follow-ups
Change in Scoliosis Research Society-22r questionnaire scores
The Scoliosis Research Society-22r questionnaire is available from SRS.org. It is a self-reported tools assessing self-image, function, pain, mental health with 5 questions each and satisfaction with care with 2 questions. A total score is also available based on all 22 questions.
Measured: From baseline, to 3 months and to 6 months follow-ups
Change in Spinal Appearance Questionnaire scores
The Spinal Appearance Questionnaire measures patients' perception of their spinal deformity using standardized drawings and questions.
The new version of the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire containing 20 items will be used in this study, which addresses the following domains: General (items 9, 10, and 19), Curve (item 1), Prominence (items 2 and 3), Trunk shift (item 4 and 5), Waist (items 11, 12, and 13), Shoulders (items 6 and 16), Kyphosis (item 7), Chest (items 14 and 15) and Surgical scar (item 17). In scoring, we will use all domains, except Kyphosis and Surgical scar, because these domains are not relevant to the subjects in this study.
Measured: From baseline, to 3, and to 6 months
Global rating of change relative to baseline
A 15-point global rating scale will be used to assess the patient's perceived change over time. The scale ranges from -7 (a very great deal worse) to +7 (a very great deal better).
Measured: at 3 and at 6 months
Change in Self-efficacy
This questionnaire measures self-efficacy for overcoming barriers to physical activity (defined as corrective exercise activities) using 8 items rated from 1 (Disagree a lot) to 5 (Agree a lot).
Measured: From baseline, to 3 and to 6 months
Change in numeric pain ratings and diagram
A scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain) will assess current, best, worst pain intensity in the last 24 hours. A body pain diagram will help categorize the location of symptoms.
Measured: From baseline, to 3 and to 6 months
Change in surface topography assessment of posture
Four Laser Scanners (Edmonton) and 4 optical scanners ( Montréal and Calgary) are used to capture full-torso scans. Subjects are positioned in a standard frame, and 18 reference points marked. Parameters are extracted by digitizing 15 landmarks. Parameters quantifying the external back surface deformity are: decompensation, cosmetic score (combines the shoulder angle, scapula angle and waist asymmetry), in the coronal plane, the deformity in the axial plane index, Hump Sum, trunk twist in the transverse plane and kyphotic and lumbar angles in the sagittal plane.
From full torso scans are: lateral deviation of centroid, and back surface rotation.
Measured: From baseline, to 3 and to 6 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Jun 2012 (estimated)
- Study startApr 2011
- Primary completion30 Dec 2019
- Study completion30 Dec 2020
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (18)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for ScoliosisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of AlbertaThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 158 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Alberta
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Glenrose Foundation, Scoliosis Research Society, SickKids Foundation CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Eric C Parent, PT, MSc, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Alberta
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01610908
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Pro00043397
- Acronym
- MultiSETS
- Status last verified
- May 2022
- First submitted
- 2 Apr 2012
- Last updated
- 27 May 2022
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Publications
Watkins E, Bosnjak S, Parent E. Algorithms to prescribe Schroth exercises for each of four Schroth curve types. Scoliosis. 2012 Jan 27;7 Suppl 1:P22.
Schreiber S, Parent E, Watkins E, Hedden D. An algorithm for determining scoliosis curve type according to Schroth. Scoliosis. 2012 Jan 27;7 Suppl 1:O53.
Schreiber S, Parent EC, Hedden DM, Moreau M, Hill D, Lou E. Effect of Schroth exercises on curve characteristics and clinical outcomes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial. J Physiother. 2014 Dec;60(4):234; discussion 234. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2014.08.005. Epub 2014 Oct 17.
PubMed 25439713Schreiber S, Parent E, Khodayari Moez E, Hedden D, Hill D, Moreau M, Lou E, Watkins E, Southon S. (2016). Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-specific exercises improve Cobb Angles in adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis - a randomized controlled trial.10th Annual WCHRI Research Day, Edmonton Canada, (oral 23 Page 27)
Schreiber S, Parent EC, Moez EK, Hedden DM, Hill D, Moreau MJ, Lou E, Watkins EM, Southon SC. The effect of Schroth exercises added to the standard of care on the quality of life and muscle endurance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis-an assessor and statistician blinded randomized controlled trial: "SOSORT 2015 Award Winner". Scoliosis. 2015 Sep 18;10:24. doi: 10.1186/s13013-015-0048-5. eCollection 2015.
PubMed 26413145Parent EC, Schreiber S, Hedden D, Moreau M. The effect of a 6-month Schroth exercise program: a pilot study using subjects as their own controls. Scoliosis. 2013;8(Suppl 2):045.
Schreiber S, Parent EC, Hedden DM, Moreau M, Hill D, Watkins EM. The effects of a 6-month Schroth intervention for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): preliminary analysis of an ongoing randomized controlled trial. Scoliosis. 2013;8(Suppl 2):O44.
Schreiber S, Parent E, Hedden D, Moreau MJ. Clinical Significance of The Effect of A Six-Months Schroth Exercise Intervention in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis. 2015 Annual Meeting Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), e-poster #18, p391, 2015
Schreiber S, Parent EC, Hill DL, Hedden DM, Moreau MJ, Southon SC. Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: how many patients require treatment to prevent one deterioration? - results from a randomized controlled trial - "SOSORT 2017 Award Winner". Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2017 Nov 14;12:26. doi: 10.1186/s13013-017-0137-8. eCollection 2017.
PubMed 29164179Schreiber S, Parent EC, Khodayari Moez E, Hedden DM, Hill DL, Moreau M, Lou E, Watkins EM, Southon SC. Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises Added to the Standard of Care Lead to Better Cobb Angle Outcomes in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis - an Assessor and Statistician Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS One. 2016 Dec 29;11(12):e0168746. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168746. eCollection 2016.
PubMed 28033399Schreiber S**, Parent EC, Hill DL, Hedden DM, Moreau M, Southon S. (2018). How much change in the Cobb angle is needed for the patients to observe positive change in their backs following a Schroth intervention? In Abstract Book Program from XIII International Meeting of the Society for Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), Dubrovnik, Croatia, April 19-21, 2018, P71. (Winner of the 2018 SOSORT Award)
Schreiber S*, Parent E, Hill D, Hedden D, Moreau M, Southon S. (2017). Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: How Many Patients Require Treatment To Prevent One Deterioration?. Book of abstracts of the 12th International Meeting of the International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment. Lyon, France, May 4 to 6 2017, O37.66, S7110-111
Schreiber S*, Parent EC, Moez EK, Hedden DM, Hill D, Moreau M, Lou E, Watkins EM*, Southon SC. (2016). The effect of Schroth exercises added to the standard of care on the Cobb angle in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: An assessor and statistician blinded randomized controlled trial Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders 2017 12(Suppl 1):17 O60. Proceedings of The First Joint Meeting of the International Research Society of Spinal Deformities and the Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment, Banff, Alberta, Canada, May 25-28, 2016. Paper O-81, pages 68-69
Schreiber S*, Parent EC, Hedden DM, Hill DL Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders 2017 12(Suppl 1):17 O70. (2016). Minimal important differences in Scoliosis Research Society-22R, Spinal Appearance Questionnaire, Cobb angle and Biering-Sorensen back muscle endurance test following a six-month Schroth exercises intervention in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Proceedings of The First Joint Meeting of the International Research Society of Spinal Deformities and the Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment, Banff, Alberta, Canada, May 25-28, 2016. Paper 0-93, pages
Parent EC, Schreiber S*, Moez EK, Preston S*, Hedden D, Moreau M, Hill D, Southon S, Watkins E*. (2016). Effects of Schroth exercises added to standard care in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) on surface topography parameters: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders 2017 12(Suppl 1):17 O61. Proceedings of The First Joint Meeting of the International Research Society of Spinal Deformities and the Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment, Banff, Alberta, Canada, May 25-28, 2016. Paper 0-82, page 69
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 May 2022. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial to Compare the Effect of Schroth Exercises to Standard Care on Curve Characteristics, Posture, and Quality Of Life in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01610908
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MultiSETS / Pro00043397
- Conditions
- Scoliosis
- Keywords
- Adolescent, Idiopathic, Scoliosis, Schroth, Exercises, Conservative treatment
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 158 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of AlbertaUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Glenrose Foundation, Scoliosis Research Society, SickKids Foundation CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health
- Study start
- Apr 2011
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2019 (actual)
- Study completion
- 30 Dec 2020 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Jun 2012 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The primary aim of this multicenter randomized controlled trial is to compare the effect of a 6 month "Schroth exercise program combined with standard-of-care" to "standard-of-care alone" on scoliosis curve severity measured using the Cobb angle.
Secondary aims include:
- To determine the effect of Schroth exercises at 6 months on secondary outcomes including quality-of-life, spinal appearance, objective posture and spinal muscle endurance measurements.
- To determine the efficacy of 6 months of Schroth therapy offered to control participants after completing 6 months in the standard-of care group (using subjects as their own controls)
- To determine if the effects of the 6 months supervised Schroth exercise program can be maintained after supervised therapy is terminated.
At Hopital Ste-Justine, the following secondary aims will be pursued to examine the preliminary evidence about the effect of Global Postural Re-education (to satisfy the local ethics committee request because Global Postural Re-education exercises were offered routinely to patients at that institution prior to the trial).
- To compare the effect and to quantify the treatment effect sizes of 6 months of "Global Postural Re-education exercises with North American standard Care consisting of only observation and bracing" to "Schroth exercises combined with North American standard care" and to "North American standard care alone" on scoliosis curve severity measured using the Cobb angle.
- To estimate the effect and quantify the treatment effect sizes of 6 months of "Global Postural Re-education exercises with North American standard Care" to "Schroth exercises combined with North American standard care" and to "North American standard care alone" on outcomes including quality-of-life, perceived spinal appearance, objective posture and spinal muscle endurance measurements.
- To determine if the effects of "Global Postural Re-education exercises with North American standard Care" can be maintained after discontinuing supervision.
- To estimate the feasibility of conducting a randomized trial focused on Global Postural Re-education exercises by quantifying enrollment rates, attendance at scheduled exercise sessions and compliance with the home exercises prescribed.
Detailed description
Multicenter Schroth Exercise Trial for Scoliosis (SETS study) Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a progressive 3D deformity of the spine. It is the most common orthopedic condition in adolescents. Of those with curves larger than 10°, 90% are females. Scoliosis often results in chronic pain, poor posture, function, and self-image.
Curves greater than 30° are braced or later surgically corrected. In Europe but not the Americas, small curves (<30°) are treated with exercises to prevent the need for bracing and moderate curves with bracing and exercises to prevent surgery. Bracing is uncomfortable and patients fear surgery. In contrast, exercises are generally well received.
Schroth exercises are the most studied scoliosis exercises and have achieved very good outcomes. Schroth was the first exercise approach to offer formal certification training. No randomized controlled trial has focused on the Schroth method. Only 1 randomized controlled trial and only 3 prospective controlled studies with important methodological flaws were included in a recent review of the effect of all types of scoliosis exercises that found that exercises slowed the worsening of scoliosis. A randomized controlled trial on Schroth exercises is needed.
Schroth exercises are asymmetric scoliosis-specific postural exercises and aim to improve the curve, posture, pain, function, and self-image. Schroth exercises target endurance and strength training of the abdominal, back, and leg muscles. Schroth exercises also aim to improve motor control of the posture by repeating corrective movements with progressively less feedback.
Objectives: (1) To compare the effect of 6 month "of Schroth exercises combined with standard-of-care" to "standard-of-care alone" on scoliosis curve severity measured using the Cobb angle.
Secondary aims include determining treatment effects on quality-of-life, spinal appearance, posture and spinal muscle endurance and monitoring if effect are maintained at long-term follow-ups.
See above for objectives corresponding to the secondary analysis planned at Hopital Ste-Justine.
Methodology:
Participants: Two hundred fifty-eight females with AIS will be recruited for this study from our scoliosis clinic. Females 10-16 years old with curves 10° to 45°, and Risser less than or equal to 3 will be included. Patients who are planning surgery, have had surgery, worn a brace or to be discharged will be excluded.
Procedures: Participants will be randomized to the standard-of-care group (observation of bracing if Boston brace criteria are met) or the Schroth exercise treatment group.
(At hospital Ste-Justine, only because of the ethics committee requested we include a third trial arm, we will randomize an equal number of subjects to each of the three trial arms (Global Postural Re-education, Schroth and Standard care) using the a variable blocked randomization specific to this site. This implies recruiting an estimated additional 52 patients to be randomized to the Global Postural Re-education group.) Outcomes will be measured by evaluators blind to randomization status at baseline and at 3 and 6 month follow-ups. The primary outcome is the spinal curvature angle on radiograph at 6 months. Secondary outcomes analyzed at 3, and 6 months include radiographs (Cobb angle, rotation), Scoliosis Research Society-22r quality-of-life domain scores (self-image, function, pain), spinal appearance questionnaire domain scores, postural measures (surface topography), and Sørensen back muscle endurance. Radiographs and Scoliosis Research Society-22 measures from routine scoliosis clinic visits will also be obtained from the clinic database until discharged from routine care. Measurement properties of all measures are adequate.
Standard-of-care subjects will be under observation or treated with bracing if they meet the Scoliosis Research Society bracing criteria for 6 months and then be offered the Schroth exercise treatment as a recruitment incentive necessary based on our pilot. Treated patients will receive supervised and standardized Schroth exercises combined with a home program in addition to standard of care for 6 months. Parents will be involved to enhance (and monitor) compliance. (At hôpital Ste-Justine only, one group will receive the 6-month supervised Global Postural Re-education intervention consisting of individual training sessions with a therapist combined with a home exercise program consisting of 1 or 2 exercises to perform twice weekly in addition the standard of care).
Analyses: Linear mixed models will be used to assess differences in group changes from baseline, to 3 months and 6-month, and adjusting for relevant covariates (including age, and risk of progression).
Expected findings: Schroth exercises will improve curve characteristics, quality of life, posture, pain, and muscular endurance in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The study team is integrated within the Edmonton scoliosis clinic, Montréal's Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Ste-Justine clinic and Calgary's Alberta Children Hospital Clinic. Research results can directly influence practice.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth exercises | Experimental | Other: The Schroth exercises treatmentThe experimental group receives the Schroth exercises treatment.Patients in this arm receive 5 individual sessions with a Schroth therapist for introduction to the approach. They they receive a home program consisting of 3-4 exercises to do at home everyday for 30-45 minutes. They come to weekly group therapy sessions to where exercise prescription is adjusted. |
| Standard of care | No intervention | –"The Standard of care" is a control group that will continue receiving the standard North American treatment prescribed by a surgeon (observation or brace [if meeting SRS criteria]) for of 6 months. After 6 months, the participants will receive the Schroth exercises intervention for 6 months. |
| Global Postural Re-education (Montréal) | Active comparator | Other: Global Postural Re-EducationThe active group (in Montréal only) receives the Global Postural Re-Education exercises treatment.Patients in this arm come to weekly individual 1 hour long therapy sessions where exercise prescription is adjusted. Selection of posture exercises is based on scoliosis type, on muscular chain stiffness associated with posture alterations and on position increasing scoliosis or pain (lying, sitting, standing). They they receive a 15-min home program consisting of 1 to 2 exercises to do at home everyday. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 10 to 16 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
- Females
- 10° to 45° according to Cobb (scoliosis curve)
- with or without a brace
- ability to travel weekly to our lab
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- other type of scoliosis
- patients with curves > 50°
- surgical candidates
- patients who have had a corrective spinal surgery
- out-of town candidates, without possibility to travel to our lab
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| The Schroth exercises treatmentAlso: Scoliosis specific exercises., The Schroth Approach.The Schroth approach consists of 3D scoliosis-specific exercises based on sensorimotor and kinesthetic principles. The goal of Schroth exercises is to teach patients to consciously maintain the correct posture in daily living activities in order to improve the curve, pain, and self-image. To achieve this goal, Schroth exercises focus on endurance and strength training of postural muscles. Schroth exercises also aim to improve posture motor control by repeating corrective movements with progressively less feedback and less passive support. Dosage: 5 individual 1-hour long sessions, continued with the daily 45 minutes home exercise program. In addition, patients are required to come weekly for 1-hour long group sessions over the span of 6 months. | Other | Schroth exercises |
| Global Postural Re-EducationAlso: GPR, Ré-éducation posturale globaleThe 6-month supervised Global Postural Re-education intervention involves active movements and postures aimed at realigning joints, stretching shortened muscles and enhancing the contraction of antagonist muscles, thus avoiding postural asymmetry. These postures imply an active participation of the patient. Global Postural Re-education includes eight therapeutic postures, lying, sitting or standing, held for 15/20 min. each. Variously combinations are used during sessions chosen on based on the amount of pain, load capacity, age of the patient, and muscle chains to be stretched. Static and dynamic functions are also employed for about five minutes each sessions to use the recovered flexibility in functional activities Dosage: Weekly individual 1-hour long sessions, with daily 15 minutes home exercise program over 6 months. | Other | Global Postural Re-education (Montréal) |
Primary outcome
Change in Cobb angle
Time frame: From baseline to 6 months
The angle from a posterior anterior full spine radiographs between the upper endplate of the upper end vertebra of the largest curve and the lower endplate of the lower end vertebra from the largest curve.
8 secondary outcomes
Change in Vertebral rotation
Time frame: Change from baseline to 6 months
Change in Back muscle endurance
Time frame: From baseline, to 3 months and to 6 months follow-ups
Change in Scoliosis Research Society-22r questionnaire scores
Time frame: From baseline, to 3 months and to 6 months follow-ups
Change in Spinal Appearance Questionnaire scores
Time frame: From baseline, to 3, and to 6 months
Global rating of change relative to baseline
Time frame: at 3 and at 6 months
Change in Self-efficacy
Time frame: From baseline, to 3 and to 6 months
Change in numeric pain ratings and diagram
Time frame: From baseline, to 3 and to 6 months
Change in surface topography assessment of posture
Time frame: From baseline, to 3 and to 6 months
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 May 2022.
- BackgroundWatkins E, Bosnjak S, Parent E. Algorithms to prescribe Schroth exercises for each of four Schroth curve types. Scoliosis. 2012 Jan 27;7 Suppl 1:P22.
- BackgroundSchreiber S, Parent E, Watkins E, Hedden D. An algorithm for determining scoliosis curve type according to Schroth. Scoliosis. 2012 Jan 27;7 Suppl 1:O53.
- Background: PubMed 25439713Schreiber S, Parent EC, Hedden DM, Moreau M, Hill D, Lou E. Effect of Schroth exercises on curve characteristics and clinical outcomes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial. J Physiother. 2014 Dec;60(4):234; discussion 234. doi: 10.1016/j.jphys.2014.08.005. Epub 2014 Oct 17.
- BackgroundSchreiber S, Parent E, Khodayari Moez E, Hedden D, Hill D, Moreau M, Lou E, Watkins E, Southon S. (2016). Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-specific exercises improve Cobb Angles in adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis - a randomized controlled trial.10th Annual WCHRI Research Day, Edmonton Canada, (oral 23 Page 27)
- Background: PubMed 26413145Schreiber S, Parent EC, Moez EK, Hedden DM, Hill D, Moreau MJ, Lou E, Watkins EM, Southon SC. The effect of Schroth exercises added to the standard of care on the quality of life and muscle endurance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis-an assessor and statistician blinded randomized controlled trial: "SOSORT 2015 Award Winner". Scoliosis. 2015 Sep 18;10:24. doi: 10.1186/s13013-015-0048-5. eCollection 2015.
- Results publicationParent EC, Schreiber S, Hedden D, Moreau M. The effect of a 6-month Schroth exercise program: a pilot study using subjects as their own controls. Scoliosis. 2013;8(Suppl 2):045.
- Results publicationSchreiber S, Parent EC, Hedden DM, Moreau M, Hill D, Watkins EM. The effects of a 6-month Schroth intervention for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): preliminary analysis of an ongoing randomized controlled trial. Scoliosis. 2013;8(Suppl 2):O44.
- Results publicationSchreiber S, Parent E, Hedden D, Moreau MJ. Clinical Significance of The Effect of A Six-Months Schroth Exercise Intervention in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis. 2015 Annual Meeting Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA), e-poster #18, p391, 2015
- Results publication: PubMed 29164179Schreiber S, Parent EC, Hill DL, Hedden DM, Moreau MJ, Southon SC. Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: how many patients require treatment to prevent one deterioration? - results from a randomized controlled trial - "SOSORT 2017 Award Winner". Scoliosis Spinal Disord. 2017 Nov 14;12:26. doi: 10.1186/s13013-017-0137-8. eCollection 2017.
- Results publication: PubMed 28033399Schreiber S, Parent EC, Khodayari Moez E, Hedden DM, Hill DL, Moreau M, Lou E, Watkins EM, Southon SC. Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises Added to the Standard of Care Lead to Better Cobb Angle Outcomes in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis - an Assessor and Statistician Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. PLoS One. 2016 Dec 29;11(12):e0168746. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168746. eCollection 2016.
- Results publicationSchreiber S**, Parent EC, Hill DL, Hedden DM, Moreau M, Southon S. (2018). How much change in the Cobb angle is needed for the patients to observe positive change in their backs following a Schroth intervention? In Abstract Book Program from XIII International Meeting of the Society for Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), Dubrovnik, Croatia, April 19-21, 2018, P71. (Winner of the 2018 SOSORT Award)
- Results publicationSchreiber S*, Parent E, Hill D, Hedden D, Moreau M, Southon S. (2017). Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: How Many Patients Require Treatment To Prevent One Deterioration?. Book of abstracts of the 12th International Meeting of the International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment. Lyon, France, May 4 to 6 2017, O37.66, S7110-111
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Eric C Parent, PT, MSc, PhD principal investigator
University of Alberta
3 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing The Schroth exercises treatment and Global Postural Re-Education in people with Scoliosis, run by University of Alberta at 3 sites in Canada.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 May 2022. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 3 sites in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Cobb angle (time frame: From baseline to 6 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01610908, which also lists 18 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 May 2022.