Synergic Effects of Schroth Method With and Without Core Stabilization Exercises in Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients

NCT07059663 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: Faiza.sarwar
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 72
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 72 patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. The study aimed to explore the synergistic effects of the Schroth method with and without core stabilization exercises. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A, which received both the Schroth method and core stabilization exercises, and Group B, which received only the Schroth method. The intervention lasted for 10 weeks, with assessments conducted at baseline, the 5th week, and the 10th week. Outcome measures included Cobb angle (spinal curvature), lumbar extensor endurance (Sorensen test), chest mobility, and quality of life (SRS-22 questionnaire). The study found significant improvements in all outcome measures for both groups, with Group A showing superior results. The addition of core stabilization exercises to the Schroth method resulted in better reductions in Cobb angle, enhanced lumbar extensor endurance, and improved chest mobility and quality of life, indicating a synergistic effect of the combined approach. The findings suggest that incorporating core stabilization exercises into scoliosis treatment protocols can lead to superior clinical outcomes.

Conditions

Scoliosis; Scoliosis Idiopathic

Keywords

Schroth Method; Idiopathic Scoliois; Core Stabilization Exercises; Cobb Angle; Lumbar Extensor Endurance; Chest mobility; SRS-22 questionnaire; Postural correction; Spinal deformity; Physiotherapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Change in Cobb Angle(Curve Magnitude)

  The Cobb angle will be used to measure the reduction in spinal curvature. The Cobb angle is the standard method for assessing the severity of scoliosis. A decrease in the Cobb angle indicates improvement in spinal alignment

  Change from Pre-Intervention to the 10th week

• Change in Lumbar Extensor Endurance (Sorensen Test)

  The Sorensen test will assess lumbar extensor muscle endurance, measuring the ability to hold an isometric contraction for as long as possible. Improvements in endurance indicate better trunk stability

  Change from pre-intervention to 10th week

• Change in Chest Mobility (measured by chest expansion)

  Chest mobility will be measured using a non-stretch measuring tape at the xiphoid level, both at rest and during maximal inhalation and exhalation. An increase in chest mobility is an indicator of improved thoracic flexibility and lung function.

  Change from pre-intervention to 10th week

• Change in Quality of Life (SRS-22 Questionnaire)

  The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) questionnaire will be used to assess the quality of life, including function, pain, mental health, self-image, and satisfaction with treatment. Improvements in scores reflect enhanced functional outcomes and psychosocial well-being. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = worst, 5 = best). Total score ranges from 22 to 110. Higher scores indicate better quality of life and treatment satisfaction.

  Change from pre-intervention to 10th week

Study Arms (2)

Schroth method with Core Stabilization Exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

The Schroth method and core stabilization exercises will be performed three times a week for 10 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes

Other: Schroth Method with Core Stabilization Exercises

Schroth Method

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

this group will receive the core stabilization exercises alone

Other: Schroth Method

Interventions

Schroth Method with Core Stabilization Exercises OTHER

The Schroth method will focus on postural correction techniques aimed at improving spinal alignment, reducing the curvature of the spine, and enhancing trunk control. Key exercises will include spinal elongation, de-rotation, and specific breathing techniques to help reduce the scoliotic curve. Core stabilization exercises will target the deep trunk muscles, such as the transversus abdominis and multifidus, to improve spinal stability. These exercises will involve bodyweight exercises, resistance bands, and stability balls, aimed at increasing muscle endurance and promoting better posture. The interventions will be performed three times a week for 10 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes

Schroth method with Core Stabilization Exercises

Schroth Method OTHER

The control group will receive the Schroth method alone, focusing solely on postural correction exercises. These exercises will aim to improve spinal alignment, reduce curvature, and enhance postural control through spinal elongation, de-rotation, and specific breathing techniques designed to address the scoliosis. The control group will not receive any core stabilization exercises in addition to the Schroth method. This intervention will also be performed three times a week for 10 weeks, with each session lasting 60 minutes

Schroth Method

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 10 Years - 18 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Age 10 to 18
• X-ray diagnosed of idiopathic scoliosis with Cobb Angle 10˚- 30˚
• Participants with Idiopathic Scoliosis
• Both genders will be included
• Scoliosis with Down syndrome.

You may not qualify if:

• Any neurological condition such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy.
• Any other orthopedic condition such as hip dysplasia, osteogenesis imperfecta, or leg length discrepancy.
• Surgical history of the spine, such as spinal fusion and decompression surgery.
• Severe systemic disorders such as autoimmune disorders, severe cardiovascular conditions
• Non-Idiopathic Scoliosis

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Lahore: lead

Study Sites (1)

UOL Teaching Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

RECRUITING

Related Publications (4)

• Kocaman H, Bek N, Kaya MH, Buyukturan B, Yetis M, Buyukturan O. The effectiveness of two different exercise approaches in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A single-blind, randomized-controlled trial. PLoS One. 2021 Apr 15;16(4):e0249492. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249492. eCollection 2021.

  PMID: 33857180 BACKGROUND

• Egea-Gamez RM, Galan-Olleros M, Martinez-Caballero I, Ramirez-Barragan A, Serrano JI, Palazon-Quevedo A, Gonzalez-Diaz R. Scoliosis in Adolescent Patients With Down Syndrome: Correlation Between Curve Magnitude and Functional Level. Clin Spine Surg. 2023 Dec 1;36(10):E471-E477. doi: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000001495. Epub 2023 Jul 14.

  PMID: 37448188 BACKGROUND

• Day JM, Fletcher J, Coghlan M, Ravine T. Review of scoliosis-specific exercise methods used to correct adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Arch Physiother. 2019 Aug 23;9:8. doi: 10.1186/s40945-019-0060-9. eCollection 2019.

  PMID: 31463082 BACKGROUND

• Ceballos-Laita L, Carrasco-Uribarren A, Cabanillas-Barea S, Perez-Guillen S, Pardos-Aguilella P, Jimenez Del Barrio S. The effectiveness of Schroth method in Cobb angle, quality of life and trunk rotation angle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2023 Apr;59(2):228-236. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.23.07654-2. Epub 2023 Jan 24.

  PMID: 36692412 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Scoliosis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spinal Curvatures; Spinal Diseases; Bone Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Dr Asim Arif, Physical Therapist

CONTACT

+923216597727; asim.arif@uipt.uol.edu.pk

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Physical Therapist

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 1, 2025
• First Posted: July 11, 2025
• Study Start: July 30, 2025
• Primary Completion: September 10, 2025
• Study Completion: January 30, 2026
• Last Updated: July 15, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Locations

PA (1)