What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

The most common treatments for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) that are similar to Global Postural Reeducation (GPR) include exercise-based interventions and physical therapy. These treatments generally have minimal side effects, with the most common being temporary muscle soreness or fatigue. In rare cases, improper technique or overexertion can lead to muscle strains or minor injuries. Overall, these interventions are considered safe and beneficial for improving posture, muscle function, and quality of life in adolescents with scoliosis.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There is limited information on FDA-approved drugs specifically for the treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Most treatments for AIS focus on non-pharmacological approaches such as bracing, physical therapy, and surgical interventions. The Global Postural Reeducation (GPR) method, which aims to improve posture and muscle function to prevent scoliosis progression, aligns with these non-invasive treatment strategies. While GPR itself is not a drug, it represents a therapeutic approach that emphasizes physical health and quality of life improvements, similar to other conservative management techniques for AIS.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to GPR for AIS patients include: 1) Pilates programs, which have shown significant improvements in thoracic curvature, pelvic tilt, and hamstring extensibility; 2) Exercise-based interventions focusing on postural alignment and strengthening back extensor muscles, which are suggested for hyperkyphosis and may be beneficial for scoliosis; 3) Technology-based exercise and posture training programs, which have shown feasibility and acceptability in older adults and could be adapted for adolescents.

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Postural Re-education for Adolescent Scoliosis (RCT-RPG Trial)

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Carole Fortin, PhD

Research Sponsored by St. Justine's Hospital

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

ability to travel weekly to attend GPR intervention

aged between 10 and 16 years old

Must not have

patients who are planned for surgery

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 6, 12 and 24 months

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to see if GPR, a type of physical therapy focusing on posture and muscle exercises, can help adolescents with scoliosis. The goal is to improve their spine alignment, reduce pain, and enhance their overall physical health.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for adolescents aged 10-16 with mild to moderate scoliosis (Cobb angle between 15º and 45º) who are still growing (Risser sign ≤3) and can travel weekly for treatment. It's not for those planning surgery, already wearing a brace for three months, or with conditions other than Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

What is being tested?

The study tests if Global Postural Re-education (GPR), involving special exercises and posture training, can help manage scoliosis better than standard care alone. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either GPR plus standard care or just standard care over a period of up to one year.

What are the potential side effects?

While the trial doesn't list specific side effects, physiotherapy interventions like GPR may cause temporary muscle soreness or fatigue. The risk of serious side effects is generally low compared to medication-based treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I can travel weekly for the treatment.

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I am between 10 and 16 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I am scheduled for surgery.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 6, 12 and 24 months

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~6, 12 and 24 months

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 6, 12 and 24 months for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Change in Cobb angle of at least 5 degrees

Secondary study objectives

Back pain on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale

Diaphragm excursion

Forced vital capacity

+3 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: GPR groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

GPR interventions added to standard care (observation or brace)

Group II: Standard care groupActive Control1 Intervention

Observation or brace plus conventional physiotherapy exercises on video

0 / 3Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

The most common treatments for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) include exercise-based interventions like Global Postural Reeducation (GPR), which focus on improving posture, muscle function, and spinal alignment. GPR involves individualized sessions that target postural correction and muscle strengthening, aiming to prevent scoliosis progression and improve overall physical health and quality of life. These treatments are essential for AIS patients as they can reduce the curvature of the spine, alleviate back pain, and enhance respiratory function, thereby improving daily functioning and long-term outcomes.

Effect of Schroth exercises on curve characteristics and clinical outcomes in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial.