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Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis with the Schroth Method

NCT06875661 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 34

Last updated 2025-03-19

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

This study investigates the effectiveness of the Schroth method, a conservative physiotherapeutic approach, in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). AIS is a three-dimensional spinal deformity of unknown etiology that develops during growth, affecting 2-3% of the general population. While most cases are mild, some require medical intervention, including bracing or surgery. Conservative treatments, such as specific exercise programs, aim to slow progression, improve postural alignment, and enhance respiratory function. Among these, the Schroth method is widely recognized for its structured approach, emphasizing active three-dimensional posture correction, rotational breathing, and sensorimotor training.

This study was designed as a randomized, single-blind, parallel-group trial conducted at Scolio Centar in Novi Sad between March and August 2023. Ethical approval was obtained from the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, and informed consent was secured from participants' parents. Inclusion criteria comprised a confirmed AIS diagnosis, an age range of 10-18 years, a Cobb angle greater than 10°, and no prior surgical or alternative treatment. Exclusion criteria included contraindications for exercise, psychological disorders, neuromuscular diseases, or previous spinal surgeries.

The study involved 34 participants who were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (EG), which underwent supervised Schroth therapy three times a week for eight weeks, and a control group (CG), which performed the same exercises independently at home. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included radiographic measurement of Cobb angle, ATR via scoliometer, respiratory function tests (VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio) using spirometry, and CE via manual measurement. Stratified randomization was used to balance the groups based on Cobb angle severity.

The Schroth exercise protocol included posture correction exercises, spinal stabilization drills, and targeted breathing techniques, supervised by a certified physiotherapist for the EG. The CG received initial instruction but performed the exercises independently at home.

Conditions

  • Idiopathic Scoliosis

Interventions

OTHER

Schroth

Patients in the experimental group exercised for 90 minutes a day, three days a week. Schroth exercises were performed in an asymmetrical position to improve the symmetry of the trunk. These exercises include stretching, flexion, spinal lengthening, derotation, strengthening, and rotational breathing exercises. The respondents combined these exercises with everyday life activities. In the control group, subjects were taught Schroth exercises under the supervision of an authorized physiotherapist, and they were asked to practice the exercises as regularly as possible at home.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Novi Sad

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Dragan Marinkovic, Msc · University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Sport and Physical Education

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
10 Years
Max Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2023-03-01
Primary Completion
2023-05-01
Completion
2023-05-10

Countries

  • Serbia

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06875661 on ClinicalTrials.gov