Puberty effects on dancers' bones and muscles with scoliosis and whether a targeted exercise program helps

The Musculoskeletal System During Puberty in Dancers With Scoliosis, and the Effect of an Exercise Program

This project will test whether a three-month targeted exercise routine helps female classical ballet dancers aged 11–16 with mild to moderate scoliosis while tracking musculoskeletal changes during puberty.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 140 (estimated)
• Ages: 11 Years to 16 Years
• Sex: Female
• Sponsor: University of Haifa (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Haifa)
• Trial ID: NCT07379801 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This two-phase study first follows up to 140 female ballet dancers aged 11–16 in a two-year longitudinal phase with four assessment visits to track growth, maturation, spinal shape, bone quality, muscle structure, strength, range of motion, balance, flexibility, and injury history. Measurements include anthropometry, Tanner staging, Adam's forward bend test and scoliometer, SRS-22 questionnaire, quantitative ultrasound (SOS) for bone strength, ultrasound imaging of trunk muscles, handheld dynamometry of hip muscles, goniometry, the Y Balance Test, and Beighton hypermobility scoring. In the second phase, dancers diagnosed with mild to moderate scoliosis are randomized to a three-month targeted preventive exercise program or to continue their regular training, with outcomes measured immediately after the program and again at one year. The design aims to link pubertal musculoskeletal changes with response to a tailored exercise intervention in a dancer-specific population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Female classical ballet dancers aged 11–16 who train at least three times per week with a minimum of two years' ballet experience and are in generally good health are ideal, and those with newly identified mild to moderate scoliosis would be eligible for the exercise phase.

Not a fit: Dancers with severe scoliosis requiring active orthopedic or surgical treatment, those with underlying medical conditions, current medication use, prior orthopedic surgery, or who do not meet the dance-frequency or health criteria are unlikely to benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the exercise program could reduce curve progression, improve trunk and hip strength and balance, and lower injury risk in young dancers with mild to moderate scoliosis.

How similar studies have performed: Physiotherapy-based, scoliosis-specific exercise programs for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis have shown modest success in slowing curve progression and improving function, but applying a targeted program specifically to young classical dancers during puberty is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Female dancers aged 11-16 years who dance at least three times per week and whose parents have provided informed consent.
* Dancers who have participated in at least three weekly hours of classical ballet during the year preceding the study and during the study year.
* A minimum of two years of experience in classical ballet training.
* Dancers without underlying medical conditions, not taking medications, and with no history of orthopedic surgery.
* dancers diagnosed during the study with mild to moderate scoliosis who are not under medical follow-up requiring active orthopedic or surgical treatment.

Exclusion criteria:

\- Dancers who are taking medications, are not in good health, have underlying medical conditions, or have undergone any orthopedic surgery.

Where this trial is running

Haifa

• Haifa University, Department of PHysical Therapy — Haifa, Israel (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Gali Dar, PhD — University of Haifa
• Study coordinator: Gali Dar, PhD

Conditions Development, Adolescent