Resisted inspiratory muscle training plus Schroth exercises for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

The Effects of Resisted Inspiratory Muscle Training Applied in Addition to PSSE-Schroth Exercises on Clinical Outcomes in Individuals With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Not applicable Interventional Hacettepe University · NCT07321600

This trial will test whether adding resisted inspiratory muscle training to Schroth exercises helps teenage girls with idiopathic scoliosis improve spine alignment, breathing strength, and physical function.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 18 Years
SexFemale
SponsorHacettepe University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kırşehir, Merkez)
Trial IDNCT07321600 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective randomized controlled trial that will assign eligible female adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis to either a standardized PSSE-Schroth exercise program alone or the same program plus resisted inspiratory muscle training. Both groups will receive supervised sessions three times per week for 8 weeks (24 sessions total). Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include clinical spinal measures (Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation, Posterior Trunk Symmetry Index), respiratory muscle performance and walk capacity, biomechanical and functional tests (balance, 3D kinematics, plantar pressure, isokinetic strength), sleep quality, and health-related quality of life. The study aims to determine if the addition of IMT provides measurable benefits beyond Schroth exercises alone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Female adolescents aged 10–18 years with idiopathic scoliosis, Cobb angle 10°–45°, angle of trunk rotation ≥5°, and skeletal immaturity (Risser ≤3 and Sanders ≤4) who can attend supervised sessions are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with non-idiopathic scoliosis, prior spinal surgery, major cardiopulmonary contraindications, severe curves outside the inclusion range, recent participation in PSSE/IMT, or inability to adhere to supervised sessions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding resisted inspiratory muscle training could further improve respiratory muscle strength, posture symmetry, and functional capacity compared with Schroth exercises alone.

How similar studies have performed: While Schroth and other PSSE approaches have shown clinical benefit, the specific combination of structured resisted IMT with PSSE is relatively untested and prior evidence on added value is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Female adolescents aged 10-18 years.

Diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Cobb angle between 10° and 45°.

Angle trunk rotation (ATR) ≥ 5°.

Risser ≤ 3 and Sanders ≤ 4.

No scoliosis-related procedure within the last 6 months.

No contraindication to exercise.

Exclusion Criteria:

Non-idiopathic scoliosis (neuromuscular, congenital, syndromic).

Inability to achieve ≥80% adherence/compliance.

History of spinal surgery or major trauma.

Cardiopulmonary diseases contraindicating exercise.

Neurological, rheumatological, vestibular, or systemic diseases.

Acute musculoskeletal injury or impaired skin integrity.

Participation in a regular PSSE-Schroth or IMT program within the last 3 months.

Intellectual disability or communication difficulties preventing protocol adherence.

Newly initiated brace treatment or high risk of non-compliance with brace management.

Lack of informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Kırşehir, Merkez

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 Adolescence Idiopathic ScoliosisSchrothPhysiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercisesInspiratory muscle trainingAdolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis3D motion analysisplantar pressurePSSE
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.