Diaphragm Mobilization in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Effect of Diaphragm Mobilization Added to the Schroth Best Practice Program in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
At a glance
- Phase
- Phase not stated
- Study type
- Interventional
- Sponsor
- Marmara University
- Enrolment target
- 42
- Started
- 20 May 2026
- Main results due
- December 2026
- Study sites
- 1
- Registry updated
- 28 September 2026
Can you take part?
- Ages 10 years to 18 years.
- Open to any sex.
- You need the condition being studied — healthy volunteers are not accepted.
These are the headline rules only. Every study has a longer list, and whether you are eligible is decided by the research team at the site — never by this page.
Read the full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years * Diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis * Cobb angle ≥ 10° * Ability to participate in exercise sessions * Written informed consent from the participant and their parent or legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: * Non-idiopathic scoliosis (e.g., neuromuscular, congenital, or syndromic scoliosis) * Presence of congenital anomalies affecting the musculoskeletal system * Previous scoliosis treatment within the last 6 months * Participation in another physiotherapy or rehabilitation program during the study period * Current use of a scoliosis brace * History of spinal surgery * Presence of neurological, rheumatological, or cardiopulmonary diseases that may affect participation in the intervention * Cognitive impairment, communication disorders, or any condition that may limit the ability to follow instructions or complete assessments
What this study is about
In the sponsor’s own words, from the registry.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that can affect posture, trunk movement, and respiratory function. Changes in the shape of the rib cage may influence diaphragm function and breathing mechanics in individuals with scoliosis. The Schroth Best Practice (SBP) exercise program is commonly used in the conservative treatment of scoliosis and focuses on posture correction and scoliosis-specific exercises. However, the additional benefits of manual diaphragm mobilization combined with this exercise program are not well known.
The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to investigate the effect of diaphragm mobilization added to the Schroth Best Practice program in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one group will perform the SBP exercise program alone, and the other group will receive SBP exercises combined with diaphragm mobilization. The intervention will be performed three times per week for six weeks.
Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 6-week intervention, and at a 12-week follow-up. Outcomes will include respiratory function measured by spirometry, trunk rotation, thoracic mobility, trunk flexibility, quality of life, and body image. The results of this study may help determine whether adding diaphragm mobilization to scoliosis-specific exercise programs improves clinical outcomes in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.
Study sites(1)
Marmara Üniversitesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi, Fizyoterapi ve Rehabilitasyon Bölümü
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Recruiting
Showing 1 of 1 sites. 1 of the 1 site on this study is recruiting right now — a site can stop enrolling while the study as a whole is still open.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov record NCT07482748. Trialion does not run this study, is not paid to refer anyone to it, and cannot enrol you. Eligibility is always decided by the research team at the site.
Not the right study?
Answer three questions and see the studies recruiting near you, in plain language.
Find a study for me