Exercise program for adults with degenerative scoliosis

The Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Exercise Trial (Pilot Study)

Not applicable Interventional University of Alberta · NCT03862417

This study is testing if a special exercise program can help adults over 50 with degenerative scoliosis feel better compared to those who don’t do the exercises.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Edmonton, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT03862417 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of Schroth exercises on adults over 50 with degenerative scoliosis, comparing the exercise program to a control group receiving no intervention. The study aims to assess the feasibility of recruiting participants and adherence to the exercise regimen, which is crucial for planning a larger study. Degenerative scoliosis is a common condition that leads to pain and functional impairment, and this research seeks to explore non-operative treatment options that could improve patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 50 years old with degenerative scoliosis and pain levels greater than 2 out of 10, with spinal curves between 15° and 45°.

Not a fit: Patients with curves over 50° who are surgical candidates or those with contraindications to exercise will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-surgical treatment option that alleviates pain and improves quality of life for patients with degenerative scoliosis.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise for scoliosis-specific exercises in both adults and adolescents.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults over 50 years old with degenerative scoliosis (n=20) with pain (\>2/10). Other inclusion criteria are: (1) curves 15°-45°.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Curves over 50° are surgical candidates, and will be excluded. Patients who have had cortisone or anesthetic injections within the last 3 months, surgery or presenting contra-indications to exercises (fractures, cancer, severe cardio-vascular co-morbidities, or osteopenia) will be excluded.

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Degenerative ScoliosisScoliosisExercisePainPostureQuality of lifeDisability
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.