Scoliosis IdiopathicNCT07428083
Effect of Kinesio Taping Combined With Schroth Therapy in Young Adults With Idiopathic Scoliosis
A study testing Schroth Terapisi and Kinesio Taping in people with Scoliosis Idiopathic and Kinesio Taping, run by Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
In this study, the effects of Kinesio Taping methods applied in combination with Schroth therapy on pain and functional capacity in young adults diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis will be evaluated. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Scoliosis Idiopathic, Kinesio Taping
- What is being tested?
- Schroth Terapisi and Kinesio Taping
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 51 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Feb 2026to 1 Nov 2026
- 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 18 to 30 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Individuals aged between 18 and 30 years.
- Radiologically confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis.
- Cobb angle between 10° and 30° and considered candidates for conservative treatment.
- Risser stage 5.
- History of low back or back pain within the last 3 months (defined as NRS ≥ 4).
- No acute orthopedic or neurological condition that would prevent participation in physical exercise interventions.
- Willingness to participate voluntarily and provide written informed consent.
- Ability to attend treatment sessions regularly throughout the study period.
Who cannot join
- Diagnosis of non-structural (functional) scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, or neuromuscular scoliosis.
- History of previous spinal surgery.
- Participation in scoliosis-specific exercise therapy within the last 6 months.
- Presence of open wounds, dermatological conditions, or allergy to taping materials.
- History of psychiatric disorders or neurological diseases.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Istanbul, 34752
Şevval Çakmakcı Alkayış, MD
Özge G İlleez, MD
About this study
Official title: Comparison of Schroth Therapy and Kinesiotaping in Lower Back and Back Pain in Young Adults With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Study
In this study, the effects of Kinesio Taping methods applied in combination with Schroth therapy on pain and functional capacity in young adults diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis will be evaluated.
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:
Read more
Group 1: Schroth therapy combined with Kinesio Taping
Group 2: Schroth therapy alone
Group 3: Schroth therapy combined with sham Kinesio Taping
Kinesio Taping will be applied for 4 weeks. The tape will remain in place for 5 consecutive days, followed by a 2-day rest period for the skin, and this cycle will be repeated throughout the intervention period.
Schroth therapy will be administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks.
Assessments will be conducted at baseline (Week 0), during treatment (Week 2), at the end of treatment (Week 4), and at follow-up (Week 8).
The primary outcome measures will be pain intensity assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and functional disability assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcome measures will include the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale.
Read the detailed description
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Schroth therapy and the addition of Kinesio Taping on pain, functional capacity, and quality of life in young adults with idiopathic scoliosis who were diagnosed during adolescence and currently experience back pain.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a spinal deformity of unknown origin that develops during adolescence, with a worldwide prevalence of 1-3%. The current clinical gold standard for diagnosing scoliosis is the measurement of the Cobb angle on standing posteroanterior radiographs. The Cobb angle determines the severity classification of AIS; a Cobb angle of ≥40° indicates a severe deformity that may require surgical intervention, whereas lower angles are typically managed with non-surgical treatment approaches.
Individuals aged 18-30 years are often described as having "young adult idiopathic scoliosis" (YAIS). Even if they received successful conservative treatment during adolescence, these individuals may present in adulthood with pain, progression of deformity, and cosmetic concerns. The development of symptoms in this age group increases the need for treatment, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions applied during this period is clinically meaningful.
The original Schroth exercises were developed in the early 20th century by Katharina Schroth. This exercise-based approach focuses on corrective breathing techniques and postural adjustments to address three-dimensional spinal deformities.
Kinesio Taping (KT) is a conservative treatment method that has gained popularity in recent years for managing musculoskeletal conditions and controlling pain. This technique was first described by Kenzo Kase.
Since an evidence-based treatment algorithm for managing back pain in patients with idiopathic scoliosis has not yet been clearly established, clinicians often select treatment methods based on preference. Common approaches include home exercise programs, physical therapy, pharmacological treatment (such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or opioid analgesics), back school programs, and spinal manipulation.
Both Schroth therapy and Kinesio Taping are non-invasive and conservative treatment methods commonly used in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
Although international studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Schroth therapy and Kinesio Taping separately, and some have explored combined applications, randomized controlled trials including a Schroth therapy group, a combined Schroth + Kinesio Taping group, and a sham taping control group in adult individuals are limited or absent in the national literature.
The distinguishing aspect of this study is the controlled and comparative evaluation of the combination of Schroth therapy and Kinesio Taping, rather than assessing each method in isolation. Additionally, the inclusion of a sham taping group allows consideration of potential placebo effects.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the evidence-based use of non-invasive treatment approaches in the management of idiopathic scoliosis
- Conditions
- Scoliosis Idiopathic, Kinesio Taping
- Being tested
- Schroth Terapisi, Kinesio Taping, Sham Kinesio Taping
- Keywords
- Scoliosis idiopathic, Kinesio taping, Schroth therapy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Schroth TerapisiOther
Schroth therapy is a scoliosis-specific exercise program designed to address three-dimensional spinal deformities. The intervention includes individualized corrective exercises, rotational angular breathing techniques, postural alignment training, trunk muscle stabilization, and muscular symmetry exercises. Sessions will be supervised by a certified physiotherapist three times per week for 4 weeks.
Kinesio TapingOther
Kinesio Taping will be applied using elastic therapeutic tape with corrective tension techniques targeting spinal alignment and paraspinal muscle facilitation. The tape will remain in place for 5 consecutive days followed by a 2-day rest period. This cycle will be repeated throughout the 4-week intervention period.
Sham Kinesio TapingOther
Sham Kinesio Taping will be applied using elastic therapeutic tape without therapeutic tension and without corrective technique. The tape will be placed in a non-corrective manner that does not aim to influence spinal alignment or muscle facilitation. The application schedule will be identical to the experimental taping group (5 days on, 2 days off for 4 weeks) to maintain participant blinding.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth Therapy + Kinesio Taping | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive Schroth therapy three times per week for 4 weeks combined with Kinesio Taping. The tape will be applied for 5 consecutive days followed by a 2-day rest period, and this cycle will be repeated for 4 weeks. Receives: Other: Schroth Terapisi; Other: Kinesio Taping |
| Schroth Therapy Alone | Active comparator | Participants in this group will receive Schroth therapy three times per week for 4 weeks without any taping intervention. Receives: Other: Schroth Terapisi |
| Schroth Therapy + Sham Kinesio Taping | Sham comparator | Participants in this group will receive Schroth therapy three times per week for 4 weeks combined with sham Kinesio Taping. The sham tape will be applied without therapeutic tension and following a non-corrective technique. The application schedule will be identical to the experimental taping group (5 days on, 2 days off for 4 weeks). Receives: Other: Schroth Terapisi; Other: Sham Kinesio Taping |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Pain Intensity (NRS)
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Changes in pain intensity will be evaluated across all assessment time points during the study
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 4, and Week 8
Change in Functional Disability (ODI)
Functional disability will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a validated questionnaire designed to measure disability related to low back pain. The ODI consists of 10 items evaluating daily living activities, with higher scores indicating greater disability. Changes in functional disability will be evaluated across the specified assessment time points.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in Scoliosis-Specific Quality of Life (SRS-22)
Quality of life will be assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire, a scoliosis-specific, validated instrument that evaluates function/activity, pain, self-image, mental health, and satisfaction with management. Higher scores indicate better health-related quality of life. Changes in SRS-22 scores will be evaluated across the specified assessment time points.
Measured: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8
Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)
Global perceived improvement will be assessed using the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale, a patient-reported outcome measure evaluating overall change in condition following treatment. The PGIC is a 7-point scale ranging from "very much worse" to "very much improved."
Measured: Week 2, Week 4, and Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Feb 2026
- Study start1 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Nov 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Scoliosis IdiopathicStudies 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
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized prospective parallel group study.
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 51 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Şevval Çakmakcı Alkayış, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07428083
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KNS-SCHRT
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparison of Schroth Therapy and Kinesiotaping in Lower Back and Back Pain in Young Adults With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Randomized Study
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07428083
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KNS-SCHRT
- Conditions
- Scoliosis Idiopathic, Kinesio Taping
- Keywords
- Scoliosis idiopathic, Kinesio taping, Schroth therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 51 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 23 Feb 2026 (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.
In this study, the effects of Kinesio Taping methods applied in combination with Schroth therapy on pain and functional capacity in young adults diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis will be evaluated.
This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:
Group 1: Schroth therapy combined with Kinesio Taping
Group 2: Schroth therapy alone
Group 3: Schroth therapy combined with sham Kinesio Taping
Kinesio Taping will be applied for 4 weeks. The tape will remain in place for 5 consecutive days, followed by a 2-day rest period for the skin, and this cycle will be repeated throughout the intervention period.
Schroth therapy will be administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks.
Assessments will be conducted at baseline (Week 0), during treatment (Week 2), at the end of treatment (Week 4), and at follow-up (Week 8).
The primary outcome measures will be pain intensity assessed by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and functional disability assessed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Secondary outcome measures will include the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire and the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) scale.
Detailed description
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Schroth therapy and the addition of Kinesio Taping on pain, functional capacity, and quality of life in young adults with idiopathic scoliosis who were diagnosed during adolescence and currently experience back pain.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a spinal deformity of unknown origin that develops during adolescence, with a worldwide prevalence of 1-3%. The current clinical gold standard for diagnosing scoliosis is the measurement of the Cobb angle on standing posteroanterior radiographs. The Cobb angle determines the severity classification of AIS; a Cobb angle of ≥40° indicates a severe deformity that may require surgical intervention, whereas lower angles are typically managed with non-surgical treatment approaches.
Individuals aged 18-30 years are often described as having "young adult idiopathic scoliosis" (YAIS). Even if they received successful conservative treatment during adolescence, these individuals may present in adulthood with pain, progression of deformity, and cosmetic concerns. The development of symptoms in this age group increases the need for treatment, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions applied during this period is clinically meaningful.
The original Schroth exercises were developed in the early 20th century by Katharina Schroth. This exercise-based approach focuses on corrective breathing techniques and postural adjustments to address three-dimensional spinal deformities.
Kinesio Taping (KT) is a conservative treatment method that has gained popularity in recent years for managing musculoskeletal conditions and controlling pain. This technique was first described by Kenzo Kase.
Since an evidence-based treatment algorithm for managing back pain in patients with idiopathic scoliosis has not yet been clearly established, clinicians often select treatment methods based on preference. Common approaches include home exercise programs, physical therapy, pharmacological treatment (such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or opioid analgesics), back school programs, and spinal manipulation.
Both Schroth therapy and Kinesio Taping are non-invasive and conservative treatment methods commonly used in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
Although international studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Schroth therapy and Kinesio Taping separately, and some have explored combined applications, randomized controlled trials including a Schroth therapy group, a combined Schroth + Kinesio Taping group, and a sham taping control group in adult individuals are limited or absent in the national literature.
The distinguishing aspect of this study is the controlled and comparative evaluation of the combination of Schroth therapy and Kinesio Taping, rather than assessing each method in isolation. Additionally, the inclusion of a sham taping group allows consideration of potential placebo effects.
The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the evidence-based use of non-invasive treatment approaches in the management of idiopathic scoliosis
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized prospective parallel group study.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Schroth Therapy + Kinesio Taping | Experimental | Other: Schroth Terapisi, Other: Kinesio TapingParticipants in this group will receive Schroth therapy three times per week for 4 weeks combined with Kinesio Taping. The tape will be applied for 5 consecutive days followed by a 2-day rest period, and this cycle will be repeated for 4 weeks. |
| Schroth Therapy Alone | Active comparator | Other: Schroth TerapisiParticipants in this group will receive Schroth therapy three times per week for 4 weeks without any taping intervention. |
| Schroth Therapy + Sham Kinesio Taping | Sham comparator | Other: Schroth Terapisi, Other: Sham Kinesio TapingParticipants in this group will receive Schroth therapy three times per week for 4 weeks combined with sham Kinesio Taping. The sham tape will be applied without therapeutic tension and following a non-corrective technique. The application schedule will be identical to the experimental taping group (5 days on, 2 days off for 4 weeks). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Individuals aged between 18 and 30 years.
- Radiologically confirmed diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis.
- Cobb angle between 10° and 30° and considered candidates for conservative treatment.
- Risser stage 5.
- History of low back or back pain within the last 3 months (defined as NRS ≥ 4).
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Diagnosis of non-structural (functional) scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, or neuromuscular scoliosis.
- History of previous spinal surgery.
- Participation in scoliosis-specific exercise therapy within the last 6 months.
- Presence of open wounds, dermatological conditions, or allergy to taping materials.
- History of psychiatric disorders or neurological diseases.
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 TerapisiSchroth therapy is a scoliosis-specific exercise program designed to address three-dimensional spinal deformities. The intervention includes individualized corrective exercises, rotational angular breathing techniques, postural alignment training, trunk muscle stabilization, and muscular symmetry exercises. Sessions will be supervised by a certified physiotherapist three times per week for 4 weeks. | Other | Schroth Therapy + Kinesio Taping, Schroth Therapy + Sham Kinesio Taping, Schroth Therapy Alone |
| Kinesio TapingKinesio Taping will be applied using elastic therapeutic tape with corrective tension techniques targeting spinal alignment and paraspinal muscle facilitation. The tape will remain in place for 5 consecutive days followed by a 2-day rest period. This cycle will be repeated throughout the 4-week intervention period. | Other | Schroth Therapy + Kinesio Taping |
| Sham Kinesio TapingSham Kinesio Taping will be applied using elastic therapeutic tape without therapeutic tension and without corrective technique. The tape will be placed in a non-corrective manner that does not aim to influence spinal alignment or muscle facilitation. The application schedule will be identical to the experimental taping group (5 days on, 2 days off for 4 weeks) to maintain participant blinding. | Other | Schroth Therapy + Sham Kinesio Taping |
Primary outcome
Change in Pain Intensity (NRS)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 4, and Week 8
Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Changes in pain intensity will be evaluated across all assessment time points during the study
Change in Functional Disability (ODI)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8
Functional disability will be assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a validated questionnaire designed to measure disability related to low back pain. The ODI consists of 10 items evaluating daily living activities, with higher scores indicating greater disability. Changes in functional disability will be evaluated across the specified assessment time points.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in Scoliosis-Specific Quality of Life (SRS-22)
Time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 4, and Week 8
Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)
Time frame: Week 2, Week 4, and Week 8
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 2 Mar 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared.
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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.
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 Terapisi and Kinesio Taping in people with Scoliosis Idiopathic and Kinesio Taping, run by Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital 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 8 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Mar 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. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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 Şevval Çakmakcı Alkayış, MD (+905556455465, sevvalcakmakci@outlook.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Pain Intensity (NRS) (time frame: Baseline (Week 0), Week 2, Week 4, and Week 8). 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 2 Mar 2026.