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CompletedNCT07249502Updated Jun 26, 2026

Scoliosis-Specific Exercises on Physical Fitness Parameters

An interventional study of Scoliosis-Specific Corrective Exercise Program and Postural Education and Basic Corrective Exercises in Scoliosis Idiopathic Adolescent and Scoliosis Idiopathic Adolescent Treatment, sponsored by Istinye University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 10 Years to 19 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-06-26.

Sponsored by Istinye University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
42
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
10 Years to 19 Years
Sex
All
01

Study summary

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by a three-dimensional spinal deformity, affecting approximately 2-4% of adolescents worldwide and occurring more frequently in girls. Beyond spinal curvature, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis can negatively influence physical fitness, muscular strength, respiratory function, postural control, and participation in daily activities. These factors may reduce overall functional capacity and quality of life.

Scoliosis-specific corrective exercises, including approaches such as Schroth and The Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis, have been shown to improve postural symmetry, slow curve progression, and enhance respiratory and psychosocial outcomes. However, the effects of these exercises on physical fitness parameters-such as muscle strength, flexibility, motor performance, and cardiorespiratory endurance-remain insufficiently studied.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of scoliosis-specific corrective exercises on physical fitness parameters in adolescents diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Measures of strength, flexibility, motor performance, and cardiorespiratory endurance will be assessed before and after the intervention. Findings from this study are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based conservative treatment protocols focusing not only on curve progression but also on functional capacity and overall fitness in adolescents with scoliosis.

02

Conditions studied

  • Scoliosis Idiopathic Adolescent
  • Scoliosis Idiopathic Adolescent Treatment

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Keywords

  • Scoliosis
  • Scoliosis-Specific Corrective Exercises
  • Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
03

In context

Scoliosis

594 studies on the registry are indexed under Scoliosis; 139 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 42 is close to the median of 44 across 344 interventional studies indexed under Scoliosis.

Browse Scoliosis studies →

Lead sponsor

Istinye University is the lead sponsor of 207 studies on the registry; 88 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
10 Years to 19 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

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

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Presence of mental, rheumatologic, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, or pulmonary disorders
  • Pain or orthopedic conditions that prevent participation in exercise
  • Visual and/or hearing impairments affecting communication or assessment
  • History of spinal surgery, spinal tumor, or related interventions
  • Any medical condition for which exercise is contraindicated
  • Communication difficulties that limit participation
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Double (Investigator, Outcomes assessor)
Enrollment
42 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Scoliosis-Specific Corrective Exercise Group

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

    Behavioral: Scoliosis-Specific Corrective Exercise Program

  • Active comparator
    Postural Education Control Group

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

    Behavioral: Postural Education and Basic Corrective Exercises

Interventions

  • BehavioralScoliosis-Specific Corrective Exercise Program

    An individualized scoliosis-specific corrective exercise program based on the Schroth method, delivered by a certified physiotherapist twice per week for 8 weeks.

  • BehavioralPostural Education and Basic Corrective Exercises

    Postural education and basic corrective exercise elements to be performed at home twice per week for 8 weeks.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Muscle Strength

    Muscle strength of the quadriceps, middle deltoid, and handgrip will be assessed using a handheld dynamometer. The change in strength from baseline to 8 weeks will be analyzed.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Aerobic Capacity

    Aerobic capacity will be assessed using the Six Minute Walk Test. The 6 Minute Walk Test is a sub-maximal exercise test used to assess aerobic capacity and endurance. The distance covered over a time of 6 minutes is used as the outcome by which to compare changes in performance capacity. The total meter of completed laps will be recorded, and the change from baseline to 8 weeks will be analyzed.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  2. Sit and Reach Test

    Flexibility of the lower extremity and trunk will be assessed with the Sit-and-Reach Test. Scores will be recorded in centimeters, and changes from baseline to 8 weeks will be evaluated.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  3. Shoulder Mobility Test

    Upper extremity flexibility will be assessed using the Shoulder Mobility Test. The distance between fingertips will be recorded as positive or negative values. Changes between baseline and 8 weeks will be analyzed.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  4. Y-Balance Test

    Dynamic balance performance will be measured using the Y-Balance Test in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, posterolateral). Reach distances will be normalized to leg length. Change from baseline to 8 weeks will be evaluated.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  5. Body mass index

    Body mass index will be calculated to assess general adiposity. Body mass index will be computed as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). Participants will be classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) Body mass index categories.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  6. waist circumference

    Waist circumference will be measured to evaluate central (abdominal) adiposity. Measurements will be taken using a non-elastic tape measure placed horizontally at the midpoint between the lowest rib and the iliac crest. Participants will stand upright with feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed. The measurement will be recorded at the end of a normal expiration to the nearest 0.1 cm.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  7. Hip Circumference waist circumference

    Hip circumference will be measured to assess gluteofemoral adiposity. A non-elastic tape measure will be placed horizontally around the widest part of the buttocks, ensuring the tape remains parallel to the floor. Participants will stand in a relaxed position, and the measurement will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm without compressing the skin.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  8. Neck Circumference

    Neck circumference will be measured as an indicator of upper-body adiposity. Using a flexible, non-stretch tape, the circumference will be taken at the level just below the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple) while the participant stands upright and looks straight ahead. The tape will be positioned perpendicular to the long axis of the neck, and measurements will be recorded to the nearest 0.1 cm.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  9. Waist-Hip Ratio waist circumference

    The waist-hip ratio will be calculated as an index of body fat distribution. Waist-Hip Ratio will be computed by dividing waist circumference (cm) by hip circumference (cm). Higher Waist-Hip Ratio values will indicate greater central fat accumulation and will be associated with increased cardiometabolic risk.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  10. Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale

    self-perception of spinal deformity will be measured using the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale. Scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater perceived deformity. Change over 8 weeks will be analyzed.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

  11. Scoliosis Research Society-22 Questionnaire Score

    Quality of life will be assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire, which measures function, pain, self-image, mental health, and satisfaction. The total score of the SRS-22 ranges from 22 to 110, with higher scores indicating better quality of life. Total scores will be compared between baseline and 8 weeks.

    Time frame: 8 weeks

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Istinye University
    Istanbul, 34010, Turkey (Türkiye)
08

References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

09

Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Jun 26, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
10

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07249502
Lead sponsor
Istinye University
Responsible party
Tuğçe Yavuz (Principal Investigator, Istinye University) — Principal investigator
First posted
Nov 25, 2025
Start date
Nov 19, 2025
Primary completion
Jun 15, 2026
Completion
Jun 23, 2026
Last update
Jun 26, 2026

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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