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NCT Number: NCT07059663

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Scoliosis Bone Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Scoliosis Idiopathic Spinal Curvatures Spinal Diseases

Age range

10 year–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

UOL Teaching Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

About this study

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. Thirty patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, aged 10 to 18 years, will be randomly divided into two groups: Group A will receive the Schroth method in combination with core stabilization exercises, while Group B will receive only the Schroth method. Both interventions will be delivered three times weekly for ten weeks. Outcome measures, including Cobb angle (curve magnitude), lumbar extensor endurance (Sorensen test), chest mobility, and quality of life (SRS-22), will be assessed at baseline, week 5, and week 10.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • • 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.

Exclusion criteria

  • 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

Treatment and study plan

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

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

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Cobb Angle(Curve Magnitude)

    Time frame: Change from Pre-Intervention to the 10th week

    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

  2. Change in Lumbar Extensor Endurance (Sorensen Test)

    Time frame: Change from pre-intervention to 10th week

    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

  3. Change in Chest Mobility (measured by chest expansion)

    Time frame: Change from pre-intervention to 10th week

    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.

  4. Change in Quality of Life (SRS-22 Questionnaire)

    Time frame: Change from pre-intervention to 10th week

    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.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Dr Asim Arif, Physical Therapist

CONTACT

[email protected]

+923216597727

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Lahore

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 11, 2025
Registry last updated
Jul 15, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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