ScoliosisNCT06716957
Schroth Exercises Alone Versus Schroth Exercises Integrated With Dynamic Stabilization
A study testing Schroth exercise and Dynamic stabilization exercises in people with Scoliosis and Adolescent Scoliosis, run by Uskudar University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial compared Schroth exercises alone with Schroth exercises integrated with dynamic (core, pelvic and scapular) stabilization exercises in adolescents aged 10-19 years with idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angle 10°-40°). Fifty participants were randomized 1:1. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 10 to 19 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Scoliosis, Adolescent Scoliosis
- What is being tested?
- Schroth exercise and Dynamic stabilization exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 13 Dec 2024to 20 Jun 2025
- 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 19 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 10-19 years
- Radiologically confirmed idiopathic scoliosis with Cobb angle 10°-40°
- No previous scoliosis surgery
- No systemic condition precluding participation in an exercise programme
- Willingness of the participant and (for minors) the parent/legal guardian to attend regular sessions and provide written informed consent/assent
Who cannot join
- Cobb angle above 40°
- Previous spinal surgery
- Cognitive impairment preventing understanding or performance of the exercises
- Inability to commit to the study schedule
- Current brace use
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Schroth Exercises Alone Versus Schroth Exercises Integrated With Dynamic Stabilization in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Assessor-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
This assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial compared Schroth exercises alone with Schroth exercises integrated with dynamic (core, pelvic and scapular) stabilization exercises in adolescents aged 10-19 years with idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angle 10°-40°). Fifty participants were randomized 1:1. Both groups received 16 individualized, one-to-one supervised sessions of approximately 60 minutes (2 sessions per week for 8 weeks) with total session time matched; in the integrated group, about 15 minutes of each 50-minute exercise block were allocated to stabilization exercises instead of Schroth exercises. A home exercise programme was prescribed on 2 additional days per week in both groups. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life measured with the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire (modified 20-item total). Secondary outcomes were self-perceived deformity (Spinal Appearance Questionnaire), postural awareness (Postural Awareness Scale), thoracic and lumbar angle of trunk rotation (scoliometer) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), assessed at baseline and at 8 weeks.
Read the detailed description
Participants were recruited at a single private physiotherapy and wellness centre in Bursa, Türkiye, between 13 December 2024 and 20 June 2025. Allocation was performed at enrolment by drawing sealed, opaque, sequentially numbered envelopes (25 per arm) prepared and held by an independent researcher; the outcome assessor and the data analyst were blinded to allocation. Exercises were individualized to curve direction and pattern and performed as 2 sets of 10 repetitions with Schroth rotational breathing. Attendance was logged at every session; adverse events were screened before and after each session. Between-group differences at 8 weeks were analysed by analysis of covariance with the baseline value as covariate.
- Conditions
- Scoliosis, Adolescent Scoliosis
- Being tested
- Schroth exercise, Dynamic stabilization exercises
- Medical subject headings
- Scoliosis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Schroth exerciseOther
Three-dimensional, curve-specific Schroth exercises (auto-elongation, rotational angular breathing, scapular and pelvic counter-corrections, rib-cage de-rotation) in lying, sitting, kneeling and standing, using a pole, elastic band, wall bar, chair and positioning pads; 2 sets of 10 repetitions each with prolonged exhalation; verbal correction throughout. Progression by reducing external support and increasing active self-correction.
Dynamic stabilization exercisesOther
Core, pelvic and scapular stabilization exercises integrated with Schroth breathing: supine leg slide with pole, supine bracing with scapular setting, elastic-band pull-apart with overhead raise, wall-supported diagonal band pull; 2 sets of 10 repetitions; side of execution matched to curve direction. Approximately 15 minutes per session.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth alone (Sc) | Active comparator | Individualized, curve-specific Schroth exercises, delivered one-to-one by a physiotherapist: 2 supervised sessions/week for 8 weeks (16 sessions, ≈60 min each: 5 min preparation, 50 min Schroth exercises, 5 min cool-down). Home exercise programme prescribed on 2 additional days/week. Receives: Other: Schroth exercise |
| Schroth integrated with dynamic stabilization (ScSt) | Experimental | Same session structure, frequency and duration as the Sc arm (16 supervised sessions, ≈60 min). The 50-min exercise block is divided into ≈35 min of curve-specific Schroth exercises and ≈15 min of core, pelvic and scapular stabilization exercises. Home exercise programme prescribed on 2 additional days/week. Receives: Other: Schroth exercise; Other: Dynamic stabilization exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire, modified 20-item total
Health-related quality of life. Items 1-20 in four domains (function/activity, pain, self-image/appearance, mental health), each scored 1-5; domain score = mean of its five items; total = mean of the four domain means (range 1-5; higher = better quality of life). The satisfaction-with-management domain (items 21-22) is not included. Turkish version.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (end of intervention)
Secondary outcomes (5)
Change in Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ)
Self-perceived spinal deformity; items scored 1-5; total = mean of items (lower = more favourable perception). Turkish version.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in Postural Awareness Scale (PAS)
Awareness of one's own posture; 12 items scored 0-5; total 0-60 (higher = greater awareness). Turkish translation of the original scale.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in thoracic angle of trunk rotation (ATR)
Measured in Adam's forward-bend position with a fluid-filled inclinometer (scoliometer), 0°-30°, mean of three measurements (lower = better).
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in lumbar angle of trunk rotation (ATR)
As above, lumbar region.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Sleep quality over the previous month; seven components scored 0-3; global score 0-21 (higher = poorer sleep; >5 indicates poor sleep quality). Turkish version.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 Dec 2024
- Study start13 Dec 2024
- Primary completion20 Jun 2025
- Study completion20 Jun 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for 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
- Model description
- Two-arm, parallel-group, 1:1 allocation; total supervised session time matched between arms.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Uskudar University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Doç.Dr.Ömer Şevgin, Uskudar University
- Investigators
- Sude Asya ALŞAN MOVAHHEDİ, Study chair, Uskudar University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06716957
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Uskudar18
- Status last verified
- Oct 2026
- First submitted
- 29 Nov 2024
- Last updated
- 4 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Participants were minors and the approved informed consent form states that personal data will not be shared with third parties; individual participant data will therefore not be shared. Summary data are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Publications
Almahmoud OH, Baniodeh B, Musleh R, Asmar S, Zyada M, Qattousah H. Overview of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and associated factors: a scoping review. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2023 Nov 21;35(6):437-441. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2023-0166. eCollection 2023 Dec 1.
PubMed 37982659Mohamed N, Acharya V, Schreiber S, Parent EC, Westover L. Effect of adding Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises to standard care in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis on posture assessed using surface topography: A secondary analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). PLoS One. 2024 Apr 30;19(4):e0302577. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302577. eCollection 2024.
PubMed 38687741Gan X, Liu X, Cai D, Zhang R, Li F, Fang H, Huang J, Qiu C, Zhan H. Wearable accelerometers reveal objective assessment of walking symmetry and regularity in idiopathic scoliosis patients. PeerJ. 2024 Jul 16;12:e17739. doi: 10.7717/peerj.17739. eCollection 2024.
PubMed 39035168
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Schroth Exercises Alone Versus Schroth Exercises Integrated With Dynamic Stabilization in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Assessor-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06716957
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Uskudar18
- Conditions
- Scoliosis, Adolescent Scoliosis
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Uskudar UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 13 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Jun 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 Dec 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.
This assessor-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial compared Schroth exercises alone with Schroth exercises integrated with dynamic (core, pelvic and scapular) stabilization exercises in adolescents aged 10-19 years with idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angle 10°-40°). Fifty participants were randomized 1:1. Both groups received 16 individualized, one-to-one supervised sessions of approximately 60 minutes (2 sessions per week for 8 weeks) with total session time matched; in the integrated group, about 15 minutes of each 50-minute exercise block were allocated to stabilization exercises instead of Schroth exercises. A home exercise programme was prescribed on 2 additional days per week in both groups. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life measured with the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire (modified 20-item total). Secondary outcomes were self-perceived deformity (Spinal Appearance Questionnaire), postural awareness (Postural Awareness Scale), thoracic and lumbar angle of trunk rotation (scoliometer) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), assessed at baseline and at 8 weeks.
Detailed description
Participants were recruited at a single private physiotherapy and wellness centre in Bursa, Türkiye, between 13 December 2024 and 20 June 2025. Allocation was performed at enrolment by drawing sealed, opaque, sequentially numbered envelopes (25 per arm) prepared and held by an independent researcher; the outcome assessor and the data analyst were blinded to allocation. Exercises were individualized to curve direction and pattern and performed as 2 sets of 10 repetitions with Schroth rotational breathing. Attendance was logged at every session; adverse events were screened before and after each session. Between-group differences at 8 weeks were analysed by analysis of covariance with the baseline value as covariate.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Two-arm, parallel-group, 1:1 allocation; total supervised session time matched between arms.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth alone (Sc) | Active comparator | Other: Schroth exerciseIndividualized, curve-specific Schroth exercises, delivered one-to-one by a physiotherapist: 2 supervised sessions/week for 8 weeks (16 sessions, ≈60 min each: 5 min preparation, 50 min Schroth exercises, 5 min cool-down). Home exercise programme prescribed on 2 additional days/week. |
| Schroth integrated with dynamic stabilization (ScSt) | Experimental | Other: Schroth exercise, Other: Dynamic stabilization exercisesSame session structure, frequency and duration as the Sc arm (16 supervised sessions, ≈60 min). The 50-min exercise block is divided into ≈35 min of curve-specific Schroth exercises and ≈15 min of core, pelvic and scapular stabilization exercises. Home exercise programme prescribed on 2 additional days/week. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 10 to 19 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age 10-19 years
- Radiologically confirmed idiopathic scoliosis with Cobb angle 10°-40°
- No previous scoliosis surgery
- No systemic condition precluding participation in an exercise programme
- Willingness of the participant and (for minors) the parent/legal guardian to attend regular sessions and provide written informed consent/assent
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Cobb angle above 40°
- Previous spinal surgery
- Cognitive impairment preventing understanding or performance of the exercises
- Inability to commit to the study schedule
- Current brace use
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth exerciseThree-dimensional, curve-specific Schroth exercises (auto-elongation, rotational angular breathing, scapular and pelvic counter-corrections, rib-cage de-rotation) in lying, sitting, kneeling and standing, using a pole, elastic band, wall bar, chair and positioning pads; 2 sets of 10 repetitions each with prolonged exhalation; verbal correction throughout. Progression by reducing external support and increasing active self-correction. | Other | Schroth alone (Sc), Schroth integrated with dynamic stabilization (ScSt) |
| Dynamic stabilization exercisesCore, pelvic and scapular stabilization exercises integrated with Schroth breathing: supine leg slide with pole, supine bracing with scapular setting, elastic-band pull-apart with overhead raise, wall-supported diagonal band pull; 2 sets of 10 repetitions; side of execution matched to curve direction. Approximately 15 minutes per session. | Other | Schroth integrated with dynamic stabilization (ScSt) |
Primary outcome
Change in Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire, modified 20-item total
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (end of intervention)
Health-related quality of life. Items 1-20 in four domains (function/activity, pain, self-image/appearance, mental health), each scored 1-5; domain score = mean of its five items; total = mean of the four domain means (range 1-5; higher = better quality of life). The satisfaction-with-management domain (items 21-22) is not included. Turkish version.
5 secondary outcomes
Change in Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in Postural Awareness Scale (PAS)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in thoracic angle of trunk rotation (ATR)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in lumbar angle of trunk rotation (ATR)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
Change in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks
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 4 Nov 2026.
- Background: PubMed 37982659Almahmoud OH, Baniodeh B, Musleh R, Asmar S, Zyada M, Qattousah H. Overview of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and associated factors: a scoping review. Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2023 Nov 21;35(6):437-441. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2023-0166. eCollection 2023 Dec 1.
- Background: PubMed 38687741Mohamed N, Acharya V, Schreiber S, Parent EC, Westover L. Effect of adding Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises to standard care in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis on posture assessed using surface topography: A secondary analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). PLoS One. 2024 Apr 30;19(4):e0302577. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302577. eCollection 2024.
- Background: PubMed 39035168Gan X, Liu X, Cai D, Zhang R, Li F, Fang H, Huang J, Qiu C, Zhan H. Wearable accelerometers reveal objective assessment of walking symmetry and regularity in idiopathic scoliosis patients. PeerJ. 2024 Jul 16;12:e17739. doi: 10.7717/peerj.17739. eCollection 2024.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Participants were minors and the approved informed consent form states that personal data will not be shared with third parties; individual participant data will therefore not be shared. Summary data are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Related trials for Scoliosis
Recruiting
Tranexamic Acid in Pediatric Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery
Scoliosis Idiopathic, Scoliosis; Adolescence
RecruitingObservational study
Turkish Adaptation and Validation of the Scoliosis Misconception Scale in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
Not yet recruitingObservational study
Clinical and Biological Parameters in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
Recruiting
Studying Melatonin and Recovery in Teens
Juvenile; Scoliosis, Scoliosis Idiopathic
Recruiting
Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Clinician-Supervised Home-School-Hospital-Linked Digital Health Platform-Supported Conservative Management Pathway for AIS
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
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.
Sude Asya ALŞAN MOVAHHEDİ study chair
Uskudar University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Schroth exercise and Dynamic stabilization exercises in people with Scoliosis and Adolescent Scoliosis, run by Uskudar University at 1 site 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 5 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 4 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site 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?
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 Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire, modified 20-item total (time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (end of intervention)). 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 NCT06716957, which also lists 3 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 4 Nov 2026.