Exercise program for adults with degenerative scoliosis
Official title: The Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Exercise Trial (Pilot Study)
Run by University of Alberta · NCT03862417 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2020 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03862417 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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°.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with curves over 50° who are surgical candidates or those with contraindications to exercise will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While this approach is relatively novel, previous studies have shown promise for scoliosis-specific exercises in both adults and adolescents.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
University of Alberta, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dept. Physical Therapy
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eric Parent, PT PhD — University of Alberta
- Study coordinator: Eric Parent, PhD
- Email: eparent@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 7804928889
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.