Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises and Rotation Angular Breathing Exercises Among Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients

NCT07601893 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 2 other identifiers: UBAS/ERB/26/04/035U1111-1339-6644
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 32
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 2

Brief Summary

This study is a single-blind, two-arm parallel-group randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of core stabilization exercises combined with rotational angular breathing exercises on adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants aged 10-18 years with a Cobb angle between 10° and 25° will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving a structured exercise program or a control group receiving standard care. The intervention will be conducted over 12 weeks, with outcomes assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up periods. Primary outcomes include Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation, inspiratory capacity, and spinal appearance. The study aims to determine whether the combined exercise approach is more effective than standard care in improving spinal alignment, respiratory function, and physical appearance.

Conditions

Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis; Scoliosis Idiopathic

Keywords

Core stabilization exercises; Rotational Angular Breathing Exercises; Cobb's angle; Inspiratory capacity; Idiopathic scoliosis; Spinal Appearance; Trunk rotation

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Cobb's angle

  Cobb angle is a radiographic measure used to quantify the degree of spinal curvature in scoliosis. It is measured by identifying the most tilted vertebrae at the upper and lower ends of the curve on an anteroposterior spinal radiograph and calculating the angle between intersecting perpendicular lines drawn from these vertebrae. Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks

  12 Weeks

• Trunk rotation

  Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR) is assessed using a scoliometer during the Adam's Forward Bend Test. The device is placed over the spine at the point of maximum deformity to quantify axial trunk rotation and rib hump prominence. Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks

  12 weeks

• Inspiratory capacity

  Inspiratory capacity is defined as the maximum volume of air that can be inhaled after a normal expiration. It is measured using spirometry with a calibrated spirometer to assess pulmonary function and thoracic expansion. Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks

  12 weeks

• Spinal appearance

  The Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) is a patient-reported outcome measure that evaluates the perception of spinal deformity and cosmetic appearance. It includes domains related to trunk asymmetry, curve perception, and self-image. Time Frame: Baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks

  12 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Core stabilization and rotational angular breathing exercises

EXPERIMENTAL

Planks involve maintaining a straight body position from head to heels while resting on the forearms and toes, effectively strengthening the abdominal muscles and lower back. Bridges require participants to lie on their backs with knees bent and feet flat, lifting their hips to create a straight line from shoulders to knees, targeting the glutes and hamstrings for enhanced pelvic stability. The bird dog exercise is performed on hands and knees, where participants extend one arm and the opposite leg, promoting balance and coordination while engaging the core. Lastly, dead bugs involve lying on the back with arms and legs raised, lowering one arm and the opposite leg while keeping the lower back pressed into the floor, which effectively engages deep core muscles. Additionally, the program will incorporate rotational angular breathing exercises, focusing on enhancing thoracic expansion and postural control through specific breathing techniques.

Other: Core Stabilization Exercises

Standard care

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in the active comparator group will receive conventional physiotherapy routinely provided for individuals with idiopathic scoliosis. The program will focus on general posture correction, flexibility, spinal mobility, and basic strengthening exercises without specialized core stabilization or rotational angular breathing techniques. Standard Care Intervention: General stretching exercises for trunk and lower limb muscles Active range of motion exercises for spinal mobility Conventional postural correction exercises Basic strengthening exercises for back and abdominal muscles Breathing awareness exercises without rotational angular emphasis Education regarding posture maintenance and ergonomic advice Frequency: 3 sessions per week Total Duration: 12 weeks Session Duration: 40 minutes Session Structure 5 minutes warm-up 25 minutes conventional physiotherapy exercises 5 minutes breathing and relaxation exercises 5 minutes cool-down and posture education

Other: Standard Care (in control arm)

Interventions

Core Stabilization Exercises OTHER

Core stabilization exercises: planks, bridges, bird dog, and dead bug Rotational angular breathing exercises: emphasizing thoracic expansion, asymmetric rib cage mobility, and postural correction through controlled inhalation and prolonged exhalation All exercises will be performed under supervised conditions initially, with emphasis on neuromuscular control, spinal stability, and coordinated breathing. Each session will last 40 minutes, including: 3 sessions per week 12-week intervention period 5 minutes warm-up 25 minutes core stabilization exercises 10 minutes rotational angular breathing exercises • Cool-down and postural awareness exercises

Core stabilization and rotational angular breathing exercises

Standard Care (in control arm) OTHER

Participants in the control group will receive conventional physiotherapy management routinely used for idiopathic scoliosis. The intervention will focus on posture correction, spinal mobility, flexibility, general strengthening, and breathing awareness exercises without specialized core stabilization or rotational angular breathing techniques. The program will include: Warm-up exercises Stretching exercises for trunk and lower limb muscles Spinal mobility exercises Basic abdominal and back strengthening exercises Postural correction and ergonomic education Diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation exercises Cool-down exercises Sessions will be supervised initially by a physiotherapist to ensure correct technique and safety. Frequency and Duration 3 sessions per week 12-week intervention period 40 minutes per session Session Structure 5 minutes warm-up 25 minutes conventional physiotherapy exercises 5 minutes breathing exercises 5 minutes cool-down and posture education

Standard care

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Adolescents aged 10-17 years
• Both male and female participants
• Diagnosed cases of idiopathic scoliosis
• Cobb's angle between 10° and 25°
• Both thoracic and lumbar spine scoliosis patients
• Both C-shaped or S-shaped curve scoliosis patients

You may not qualify if:

• Previous spinal surgery
• Significant neuromuscular disorders (e.g, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy)
• Other medical conditions affecting participation (e.g, respiratory or cardiac)
• Any contraindication to exercise program

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences: lead
• Ghurki Trust and Teaching Hospital: collaborator

Study Sites (2)

General hospital lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, 5400, Pakistan

Location

Ghurki trust and teaching hospital lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, 5400, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Standard of Care

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Quality Indicators, Health Care; Quality of Health Care; Health Services Administration; Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation

Study Officials

• Prof. Shoaib Waqas, Phd

  Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

  STUDY CHAIR

Central Study Contacts

Umber Nawaz, Phd Scholar

CONTACT

+92 3334888279; umber.nawaz@ubas.edu.pk

Usama Ahmad, MS Physical Therapy

CONTACT

+92 3013115017; ua950366@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Masking Details: We simply did not inform the outcome assessor about the group allocation
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Model Details: This study is a randomized controlled interventional trial designed to evaluate the effects of core stabilization exercises combined with rotational angular breathing exercises on Cobb's angle, trunk rotation, inspiratory capacity, and spinal appearance among patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two parallel groups using a simple randomization method. The experimental group will receive a structured exercise program consisting of core stabilization exercises and rotational angular breathing exercises in addition to conventional physiotherapy care. The control group will receive standard conventional physiotherapy management only. Both groups will undergo supervised treatment sessions three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 40 minutes. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period to compare the effectiveness of the interventions between groups.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 15, 2026
• First Posted: May 22, 2026
• Study Start: May 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 15, 2026
• Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, ICF
• Time Frame: 2 years
• Access Criteria: The data will be available upon request from the corresponding author via email.

Locations

PA (2)