Adolescent Idiopathic ScoliosisNCT06224998
Schroth and Pilates Exercises in Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis
A study testing Exercise in people with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, run by Izmir Katip Celebi University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common anomaly that is frequently seen in prepubertal growth and is characterized by deviation and rotation of the spine, causing high level of disability. Pubertal development and asymmetrical load distribution increase the progression of the deformity. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 10 to 18 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
- What is being tested?
- Exercise
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Nov 2023to Aug 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 18 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- having a Cobb angle between 10 and 25 degrees
- age between 10-18 years
Who cannot join
- Presence of secondary scoliosis (congenital, muscular and neurological scoliosis)
- Presence of any cardiovascular and pulmonary disease that will prevent respiratory functions
- Having a history of thoracic surgery
- Use of assistive devices
- Presence of a secondary orthopedic problem
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites, 2 recruiting
- Recruiting
Izmir Katip Celebi University
Izmir
kevser kacmaz, pt, phd, 5055509879, kevser_sevik@hotmail.com
- Enrolling by invitation
İzmir Katip Çelebi University
Izmir
About this study
Official title: Comparison of the Effects of Schroth and Pilates Exercises on Respiratory Functions, Functional Capacity, Balance, Spine Structure and Quality of Life in Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common anomaly that is frequently seen in prepubertal growth and is characterized by deviation and rotation of the spine, causing high level of disability. Pubertal development and asymmetrical load distribution increase the progression of the deformity. Affecting the spinal structure and its movement can affect the structures and cause problems in many areas such as pain, balance, respiration, mental health and quality of life. AIS can cause functional disability by causing deterioration in chest wall mechanics, weakness in respiratory muscles and limitation of functional capacity. As the disease progresses, prolonged hypoinflation and atelectasis lead to irreversible atrophy of the lungs and further reduction in lung volume. Displacement and/or compression of the heart due to thoracic deformity may not allow for the required increase in stroke volume during exercise. In severe cases, patients are at risk of developing pulmonary hypertension due to chronic respiratory failure and chronic atelectasis, chronic hypoxemia, chronic hypercapnia. In addition, muscle atrophy and muscle weakness in AIS are thought to cause muscle imbalances and loss of balance.
Exercise is the most appropriate treatment for low and moderate AIS cases due to its low cost and low risk of complications. Exercises prevent the development of many problems by controlling the severity of curvature and preventing the progression of curvature. It is thought that scoliosis exercises
Read more
can delay or even prevent surgery and reduce the duration or degree of brace, especially in patients with low-to-moderate curvature during growth. One of these exercise approaches, the Schroth technique, is primarily based on isometric muscle contraction exercises that aim to rotate, lengthen and stabilize the spine. The core component of the Schroth method is autocorrection, defined as the patient's ability to reduce spinal deformity through active postural realignment of the spine in three dimensions.
Another frequently used exercise method, Pilates exercise training improves flexibility and overall physical health by emphasizing the coordination of movements associated with strength, posture, and breathing. However, the effects of these exercises in reducing curvature and related problems are controversial in the literature. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Schroth and pilates exercises on respiratory functions, functional capacity, balance, spine structure and quality of life in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.
Thirty patients aged 10 to 18 years, with a Cobb angle between 10 and 25 degrees, will be included in the study. The subjects will be randomly divided into two groups; Schroth exercises will be applied to one group and pilates exercises will be applied to another group. All participants will participate in exercise sessions of 60 minutes a day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. Each participant will receive a total of 24 sessions of exercise therapy under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In this study, exercises that activate the muscle groups responsible for maintaining the correct posture and correcting the curvature will be selected for practice. Within the study, axial trunk rotation with a scoliometer, respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength measurement with spirometry, functional capacity with the 6-minute walking test, balance with the Tecnobody balance measuring device, quality of life with Scoliosis will be assessed by the Research Society-22 Quality of Life Questionnaire. The results obtained from the study are of great importance as they will help to determine the effects of Schroth and pilates exercises on spinal deformity and the treatment of related problems in patients with AIS and to establish appropriate programs for the prevention and treatment of these problems.
- Conditions
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
- Being tested
- Exercise
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
ExerciseBehavioural
Exercise is the most appropriate treatment for low and moderate AIS cases due to its low cost and low risk of complications. Exercises prevent the development of many problems by controlling the severity of curvature and preventing the progression of curvature. It is thought that scoliosis exercises can delay or even prevent surgery and reduce the duration or degree of brace, especially in patients with low-to-moderate curvature during growth. One of these exercise approaches, the Schroth technique, is primarily based on isometric muscle contraction exercises that aim to rotate, lengthen and stabilize the spine. The core component of the Schroth method is autocorrection, defined as the patient's ability to reduce spinal deformity through active postural realignment of the spine in three dimensions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth exercises | Experimental | Schroth technique, one of these exercise approaches, is primarily based on isometric muscle contraction exercises that aim to rotate, lengthen and stabilize the spine. The key component of the Schroth method is autocorrection, defined as the patient's ability to reduce spinal deformity through active postural realignment of the spine in three dimensions. Automatic correction is achieved through self-extension and specific segmental corrections adapted to each curve pattern. The International Scoliosis Orthopedic Treatment and Rehabilitation Association considers automatic correction to be the most important element of scoliosis-specific exercise therapy. Receives: Behavioral: Exercise |
| Pilates exercises | Experimental | Pilates exercise training improves flexibility and overall physical health by emphasizing strength, posture and coordination of respiratory-related movements. Pilates improves body awareness by working the body as a whole, using gravity and springs to increase resistance and assist in the execution of movements. Pilates, used in neuromuscular training and functional activity training in physiotherapy, is widely used for stimulation of blood circulation, development of flexibility, muscle endurance and strength, postural harmony and body awareness. Pilates has been reported to be an effective physical technique for pain, symptom management, and improving the Cobb angle in scoliosis. Pilates has been reported to be effective in improving scoliosis by correcting poor posture, strengthening the muscles necessary for postural correction, and maintaining body balance. Receives: Behavioral: Exercise |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
respiratory functions
These measurements include forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak flow rate. (PEF), 25-75% flow rate of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75), expected values according to age, height, and weight and their percentages, and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) will be recorded. MIP will be obtained by measuring the intraoral pressure during maximum inspiration against a closed valve for 1-3 seconds after maximum expiration. MEP will be obtained by measuring the intraoral pressure during maximum inspiration against a closed valve for 1-2 seconds after maximum inspiration.
Measured: 2 years
spine structure
A scoliometer will be used to evaluate axial trunk rotation. Scoliometer is used to measure the rotational severity of the curvature of the vertebra in the horizontal plane. The patient will be asked to stand in a standing position, with the feet slightly open, stretching his arms forward and joining his hands with the palms facing each other. Then, he/she will be asked to lean forward until his/her body is horizontal by putting his/her hands between his/her knees without bending his/her knees. The scoliometer will be placed at the apex by the therapist positioned behind the patient, and the rotation value shown by the scoliometer will be recorded in degrees. While the interpersonal reliability of the scoliometer was found to be "excellent", its inter-measurement reliability was stated to be "very good".
Measured: 2 years
Secondary outcomes (3)
functional capacity
Functional capacity will be evaluated with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), which is the most widely used because it is easily applicable. The test was performed according to the 6 WT criteria references determined by the American Thoracic Society. Individuals will be asked to walk as fast as possible without running in a 30-meter straight corridor for six minutes.
Measured: 2 years
balance
Balance will be assessed with the Tecnobody Balance Measurement Device. Individuals step on the device, first of all, individuals will be informed about how the tests will be applied. A repeat test will be performed before each test to ensure adaptation and familiarization with the device. Individuals' postural sway and stability limits will be evaluated. In the postural sway evaluation, individuals will be asked to place their hands on their waist and maintain their balance, then to stand still with their eyes open for 30 seconds and then with their eyes closed for 30 seconds. In the stability limit evaluation, individuals will be asked to move the moving cursor to the square where the light is on and will be told not to lift their feet from the platform while doing this. The test will end after moving the cursor to the squares that light up in a total of eight different directions. Individuals will be given a 1-2 minute rest period between each test5.
Measured: 2 years
quality of life of the participants
Participants' quality of life will be evaluated with SRS-22. SRS-22 is an easy and practical quality of life questionnaire designed specifically for scoliosis to evaluate the current condition of the spine.
Measured: 2 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Jan 2024
- Study start1 Nov 2023
- Primary completionAug 2025 (estimated)
- Study completionAug 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Adolescent Idiopathic ScoliosisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Izmir Katip Celebi University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, kevser kacmaz, Izmir Katip Celebi University
- Investigators
- sevtap gunay ucurum, Principal investigator, İzmir Katip Çelebi University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06224998
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- scoIzmirKCU
- Status last verified
- Jun 2025
- First submitted
- 11 Dec 2023
- Last updated
- 24 Jun 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Jun 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of the Effects of Schroth and Pilates Exercises on Respiratory Functions, Functional Capacity, Balance, Spine Structure and Quality of Life in Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06224998
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- scoIzmirKCU
- Conditions
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Izmir Katip Celebi UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Nov 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Aug 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Aug 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Jan 2024 (actual)
- 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.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common anomaly that is frequently seen in prepubertal growth and is characterized by deviation and rotation of the spine, causing high level of disability. Pubertal development and asymmetrical load distribution increase the progression of the deformity. Affecting the spinal structure and its movement can affect the structures and cause problems in many areas such as pain, balance, respiration, mental health and quality of life. AIS can cause functional disability by causing deterioration in chest wall mechanics, weakness in respiratory muscles and limitation of functional capacity. As the disease progresses, prolonged hypoinflation and atelectasis lead to irreversible atrophy of the lungs and further reduction in lung volume. Displacement and/or compression of the heart due to thoracic deformity may not allow for the required increase in stroke volume during exercise. In severe cases, patients are at risk of developing pulmonary hypertension due to chronic respiratory failure and chronic atelectasis, chronic hypoxemia, chronic hypercapnia. In addition, muscle atrophy and muscle weakness in AIS are thought to cause muscle imbalances and loss of balance.
Exercise is the most appropriate treatment for low and moderate AIS cases due to its low cost and low risk of complications. Exercises prevent the development of many problems by controlling the severity of curvature and preventing the progression of curvature. It is thought that scoliosis exercises
can delay or even prevent surgery and reduce the duration or degree of brace, especially in patients with low-to-moderate curvature during growth. One of these exercise approaches, the Schroth technique, is primarily based on isometric muscle contraction exercises that aim to rotate, lengthen and stabilize the spine. The core component of the Schroth method is autocorrection, defined as the patient's ability to reduce spinal deformity through active postural realignment of the spine in three dimensions.
Another frequently used exercise method, Pilates exercise training improves flexibility and overall physical health by emphasizing the coordination of movements associated with strength, posture, and breathing. However, the effects of these exercises in reducing curvature and related problems are controversial in the literature. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Schroth and pilates exercises on respiratory functions, functional capacity, balance, spine structure and quality of life in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.
Thirty patients aged 10 to 18 years, with a Cobb angle between 10 and 25 degrees, will be included in the study. The subjects will be randomly divided into two groups; Schroth exercises will be applied to one group and pilates exercises will be applied to another group. All participants will participate in exercise sessions of 60 minutes a day, 3 days a week, for 8 weeks. Each participant will receive a total of 24 sessions of exercise therapy under the supervision of a physiotherapist. In this study, exercises that activate the muscle groups responsible for maintaining the correct posture and correcting the curvature will be selected for practice. Within the study, axial trunk rotation with a scoliometer, respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength measurement with spirometry, functional capacity with the 6-minute walking test, balance with the Tecnobody balance measuring device, quality of life with Scoliosis will be assessed by the Research Society-22 Quality of Life Questionnaire. The results obtained from the study are of great importance as they will help to determine the effects of Schroth and pilates exercises on spinal deformity and the treatment of related problems in patients with AIS and to establish appropriate programs for the prevention and treatment of these problems.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth exercises | Experimental | Behavioral: ExerciseSchroth technique, one of these exercise approaches, is primarily based on isometric muscle contraction exercises that aim to rotate, lengthen and stabilize the spine. The key component of the Schroth method is autocorrection, defined as the patient's ability to reduce spinal deformity through active postural realignment of the spine in three dimensions. Automatic correction is achieved through self-extension and specific segmental corrections adapted to each curve pattern. The International Scoliosis Orthopedic Treatment and Rehabilitation Association considers automatic correction to be the most important element of scoliosis-specific exercise therapy. |
| Pilates exercises | Experimental | Behavioral: ExercisePilates exercise training improves flexibility and overall physical health by emphasizing strength, posture and coordination of respiratory-related movements. Pilates improves body awareness by working the body as a whole, using gravity and springs to increase resistance and assist in the execution of movements. Pilates, used in neuromuscular training and functional activity training in physiotherapy, is widely used for stimulation of blood circulation, development of flexibility, muscle endurance and strength, postural harmony and body awareness. Pilates has been reported to be an effective physical technique for pain, symptom management, and improving the Cobb angle in scoliosis. Pilates has been reported to be effective in improving scoliosis by correcting poor posture, strengthening the muscles necessary for postural correction, and maintaining body balance. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 10 to 18 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- having a Cobb angle between 10 and 25 degrees
- age between 10-18 years
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Presence of secondary scoliosis (congenital, muscular and neurological scoliosis)
- Presence of any cardiovascular and pulmonary disease that will prevent respiratory functions
- Having a history of thoracic surgery
- Use of assistive devices
- Presence of a secondary orthopedic problem
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 |
|---|---|---|
| ExerciseExercise is the most appropriate treatment for low and moderate AIS cases due to its low cost and low risk of complications. Exercises prevent the development of many problems by controlling the severity of curvature and preventing the progression of curvature. It is thought that scoliosis exercises can delay or even prevent surgery and reduce the duration or degree of brace, especially in patients with low-to-moderate curvature during growth. One of these exercise approaches, the Schroth technique, is primarily based on isometric muscle contraction exercises that aim to rotate, lengthen and stabilize the spine. The core component of the Schroth method is autocorrection, defined as the patient's ability to reduce spinal deformity through active postural realignment of the spine in three dimensions. | Behavioural | Pilates exercises, Schroth exercises |
Primary outcome
respiratory functions
Time frame: 2 years
These measurements include forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak flow rate. (PEF), 25-75% flow rate of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75), expected values according to age, height, and weight and their percentages, and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) will be recorded. MIP will be obtained by measuring the intraoral pressure during maximum inspiration against a closed valve for 1-3 seconds after maximum expiration. MEP will be obtained by measuring the intraoral pressure during maximum inspiration against a closed valve for 1-2 seconds after maximum inspiration.
spine structure
Time frame: 2 years
A scoliometer will be used to evaluate axial trunk rotation. Scoliometer is used to measure the rotational severity of the curvature of the vertebra in the horizontal plane. The patient will be asked to stand in a standing position, with the feet slightly open, stretching his arms forward and joining his hands with the palms facing each other. Then, he/she will be asked to lean forward until his/her body is horizontal by putting his/her hands between his/her knees without bending his/her knees. The scoliometer will be placed at the apex by the therapist positioned behind the patient, and the rotation value shown by the scoliometer will be recorded in degrees. While the interpersonal reliability of the scoliometer was found to be "excellent", its inter-measurement reliability was stated to be "very good".
3 secondary outcomes
functional capacity
Time frame: 2 years
balance
Time frame: 2 years
quality of life of the participants
Time frame: 2 years
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Jun 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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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.
sevtap gunay ucurum principal investigator
İzmir Katip Çelebi University
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Exercise in people with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, run by Izmir Katip Celebi University at 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye).
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 2 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Jun 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Turkey (Türkiye). 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact kevser kacmaz, pt, phd (5055509879, kevser_sevik@hotmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
respiratory functions (time frame: 2 years). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 24 Jun 2025.