Exercises to reduce low back pain and improve function in lumbar scoliosis by targeting fascia

Investigation of the Effects of Different Exercise Approaches on Thoracolumbar Fascia Thickness, Low Back Pain, and Function in Individuals With Idiopathic Lumbar Scoliosis and Chronic Low Back Pain

This study will test whether two scoliosis-specific exercise programs that target the thoracolumbar fascia can reduce chronic low back pain and improve function in people aged 10–50 with idiopathic lumbar scoliosis.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 10 Years to 50 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Hacettepe University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Ankara, Samanpazarı)
• Trial ID: NCT07418983 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will compare two scoliosis-specific exercise approaches (SEAS and Functional Individual Therapy) that include muscle energy and myofascial techniques to determine effects on thoracolumbar fascia thickness, low back pain, and function. Participants are people aged 10–50 with idiopathic lumbar scoliosis (Cobb angle >15°) and chronic low back pain (≥3 months, VAS ≥3). Baseline and follow-up measurements of fascia thickness, pain intensity, and functional outcomes will be collected to measure change after the interventions. Treatments are individualized by curve pattern and include active self-correction plus targeted manual or contract-relax techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 10–50 with idiopathic lumbar scoliosis (Cobb angle >15°) who have had chronic low back pain for more than three months with pain ≥3 on the VAS and no recent scoliosis treatment or spinal surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with prior spinal surgery, non-idiopathic scoliosis, current bracing, recent scoliosis treatment within the last year, active neurological/psychological/congenital/rheumatologic disorders, or those using pain medication are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from these specific exercise programs.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce chronic low back pain and improve daily function by addressing fascial thickening associated with lumbar scoliosis.

How similar studies have performed: Scoliosis-specific exercise programs have shown benefits for pain and function in some prior reports, but interventions specifically targeting thoracolumbar fascia thickness are relatively novel and less well established.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 10-50 years
* Diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis
* Presenting a lumbar scoliosis pattern
* Cobb angle greater than 15°
* Experiencing low back pain for more than 3 months
* Pain intensity ≥3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
* Able to read and write

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of spinal surgery
* Received any scoliosis treatment within the last year
* Current use of a spinal brace
* Use of pain medication
* Scoliosis due to non-idiopathic causes (e.g., neurological, congenital)
* Presence of neurological, psychological, congenital, or rheumatologic disorders
* Any musculoskeletal pathology affecting the spine or trunk

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Samanpazarı

• Hacettepe University, Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation — Ankara, Samanpazarı, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Alev Doğan Özbudak, PT, MSc (PhD Candidate) — Hacettepe University
• Study coordinator: Alev Doğan Özbudak, PT, MSc (PhD Candidate)

Conditions: Scoliosis Idiopathic, Fascia, Low Back Pain, Scoliosis, Exercise Therapy