Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effect of a Postural Re-education Intervention Compared to Standard Care on Scoliosis Progression in Adolescent

This study is investigating a special exercise programme called Global Postural Re-education (GPR) for teenagers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We want to see if GPR can help stop the curve in the spine from getting worse, compared to the usual care. Researchers will also look at how GPR might affect back pain, quality of life, breathing, posture, muscle function, and how far someone can walk. About 144 teenagers will take part, split into two groups: one receiving standard care and the other receiving standard care plus GPR sessions for a year. Measurements will be taken at the beginning, then after 6, 12, and 24 months to understand the effects of the treatment.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

St. Justine's Hospital

Enrolment target

Start

15 Aug 2021

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

What is this study about?

If you're a teenager with scoliosis, or care for one, you might be interested in this study. It's looking at a specific type of exercise program called Global Postural Re-education, or GPR. This program focuses on correcting posture and movement, and physical therapists use it.

The main goal is to find out if GPR can help stop the curve in a teenager's spine from getting worse. This is a common concern for young people with what's called adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The study will compare GPR with the usual care, which might include observation or wearing a brace along with home exercises.

Beyond simply measuring the spine's curve, researchers also want to understand if GPR can make a difference in other important areas. They'll be looking at things like how much back pain someone feels, their overall quality of life, how well they can breathe, their general posture, how their back muscles work, and how far they can walk comfortably. All of these factors contribute to a teenager's daily life and well-being.

Key takeaways

Compares GPR exercises to standard care for teenage scoliosis.
Aims to see if GPR can slow scoliosis progression.
Looks at improvements in pain, breathing, posture, and quality of life.
Participation involves weekly exercise sessions (for the GPR group) and regular assessments.
Designed for teenagers aged 10-16 with specific Cobb angle ranges and bone growth status.
Free to join and withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for teenagers between 10 and 16 years old who have adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The curve in their spine, measured by something called a Cobb angle, needs to be between 15 and 45 degrees. Also, their bones should still be growing, which doctors check with a 'Risser sign' of 3 or less.

There are also a few things that would mean someone can't join the study. This includes if they have scoliosis from another cause, or if they are already planning to have surgery for their scoliosis. If they've already had scoliosis surgery or have worn a brace for three months or more in the recent past, they also wouldn't be able to take part.

Crucially, participants need to be able to travel to the study centre every week for the GPR exercise sessions, especially for the first six months.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 10 and 16 years old?
Has a doctor told you your spinal curve (Cobb angle) is between 15 and 45 degrees?
Are your bones still growing (Risser sign of 3 or less)?
Have you NOT had scoliosis surgery or worn a brace for more than 3 months recently?
Can you travel to a study centre weekly for appointments, if needed?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be placed into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will get the usual care for scoliosis, which might be regular check-ups or wearing a brace, along with some exercises to do at home. The other group will get this usual care PLUS the special Global Postural Re-education (GPR) exercise sessions.

If you're in the GPR group, you'll have an individual session with a physical therapist once a week for the first six months. For the next six months (months 7-12), these individual sessions will happen every two weeks, alternating with 'telerehabilitation' sessions from home. Over the course of 12 months, you will have several appointments for tests. These include X-rays to check your spinal curve, filling out questionnaires about your back pain and quality of life, and having measurements taken of your posture, breathing using a special scan, back muscle activity tests, and a 6-minute walking test to see how far you can walk. There will be initial tests, then follow-up tests at 6 months, 12 months, and a final check-up at 24 months from the start.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help us understand if the GPR exercise program can prevent scoliosis from getting worse and improve your overall health and quality of life. As with most exercise programs, there's a small chance of mild muscle soreness or tiredness. All imaging and tests are standard procedures. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (2)

CHU Sainte-Justine
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada
Centre interdisciplinaire de recherche en réadaptation et intégration sociale/Université Laval
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada

Common questions

What is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?

It's when a child or teenager's spine curves sideways, usually without a known cause, during their growth spurt.

What is Global Postural Re-education (GPR)?

It's a specific type of physiotherapy exercise that focuses on correcting your posture and improving how your body moves as a whole.

Will I have to pay to be in the study?

No, you don't pay to participate in a clinical trial. The study covers the costs of the treatments and assessments involved.

How long will I be in the study?

Your active participation will last for 12 months, with a final check-up at 24 months from when you started.

What if my scoliosis gets worse during the study?

Your health will be closely monitored. If your scoliosis worsens or you need other treatment, the study team will discuss the best next steps with you and your doctor.