Clinical Research Directory

Yoga for Back Pain in Adolescent Scoliosis

The Problem: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS), the pre-eminent spinal pathology affecting over 5% of children and adolescents, presents a pronounced spinal curvature exceeding 10 degrees, with prevalence amongst female adolescents at a ratio of 3:1 compared to males. A significant portion of these patients are not immediate candidates for surgical intervention. The acute shortage of viable non-operative management strategies, which is becoming increasingly imperative given the current barriers to physical therapy access and the growing opioid crisis. The investigator's research intends to explore the addition of a structured yoga protocol to standard of care. This research will thus explore the potential for improved relief and quality-of-life improvements for AIS patients not ready for surgery. Significance: AIS is a pervasive condition which correlates with chronic and episodic lower back pain, diminished sleep quality, and depressive symptoms. This extensive comorbid association coupled with the financial pressure to patients and the healthcare system cannot be understated. Needs Statement: There is a lack of sufficient non-operative management options for AIS. Many patients face limited access and require supplementary management strategies to address the patient's conditions effectively, creating a significant unmet need for non-pharmacological pain management interventions. This need is further highlighted in the context of the escalating opioid crisis, a leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults. Hypothesis: The introduction of a structured yoga protocol can serve as a non-inferior or even superior alternative to traditional standard of care i management of AIS, addressing both the physical and psychosocial aspects intertwined with the condition. IMPACT: Change in Problem Significance: This research trial aims to enhance current standard of care for patients grappling with AIS. If the trial demonstrates superiority of yoga, it will delineate a paradigm shift in the current care standards for AIS patients, fostering a move towards a more cost-effective and holistic approach. Yoga could help alleviate the burdens on the healthcare system by reducing costs and enhancing accessibility for patients. Improvement in Pediatric Orthopedics Practice: By paving the way for non-pharmacological interventions, the trial aspires to mitigate the reliance on opioids for pain management in the pediatric demographic, therefore promoting overall well-being. This project not only seeks to develop alternative pain management strategies amidst a growing opioid epidemic but also champions the cause of improving the quality of life for the pediatric population battling chronic conditions like AIS. It echoes the urgent call to innovate and expand upon the current strategies in place, steering the medical community towards a future where integrative approaches are not the exception but the norm. Ultimately, this research aspires to guide the trajectory of pediatric orthopedics towards a healthcare system that is more inclusive, accessible, and holistically oriented, thereby enhancing the quality of life for pediatric patients grappling with conditions like AIS. 2\. Objectives (include all primary and secondary objectives) Goals/Objectives: To create a randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of yoga in conjunction with standard of care treatments for AIS patients. SPECIFIC AIMS Aim 1: Evaluate the feasibility and challenges of implementing a yoga protocol for AIS patients. Methodology: Online class attendance, survey completions, and follow-up appointments. Anticipated Results: Adequate participant adherence and data reliability. Aim 2: Compare clinical outcomes between patients who receive traditional care modalities versus those who added yoga to treatment plan. Methodology: Utilize validated tools such as the SRS-22 questionnaire and monitor outcomes including depression scale, sleep quality, analgesic usage, activity levels, and Cobb angle. Anticipated Results: Significant physical and psychological improvements in the yoga group.

Scoliosis-Specific Exercises on Physical Fitness Parameters

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by a three-dimensional spinal deformity, affecting approximately 2-4% of adolescents worldwide and occurring more frequently in girls. Beyond spinal curvature, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis can negatively influence physical fitness, muscular strength, respiratory function, postural control, and participation in daily activities. These factors may reduce overall functional capacity and quality of life. Scoliosis-specific corrective exercises, including approaches such as Schroth and The Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis, have been shown to improve postural symmetry, slow curve progression, and enhance respiratory and psychosocial outcomes. However, the effects of these exercises on physical fitness parameters-such as muscle strength, flexibility, motor performance, and cardiorespiratory endurance-remain insufficiently studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of scoliosis-specific corrective exercises on physical fitness parameters in adolescents diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Measures of strength, flexibility, motor performance, and cardiorespiratory endurance will be assessed before and after the intervention. Findings from this study are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based conservative treatment protocols focusing not only on curve progression but also on functional capacity and overall fitness in adolescents with scoliosis.

Surgical Outcomes and Complications of Posterior Spinal Fusion in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis representing about 80-90% of all idiopathic scoliosis cases , characterized by lateral curvature of the spine of 10 degrees or more in children 10-18 years without underlaying cause . AIS affects 1-3% of adolescents globally . More common in females with a ratio of 8;1 (1) The exact cause of AIS remain unknown ,however it's thought to be multi factorial may be due to genetic predisposition as it's often familial with multiple genetic loci impacting its pathogenesis heritability range between 30-60% (2) Bio mechanically the asymmetrical growth of the vertebrae and spinal loading may lead to curvature progression during rapid growth spurts Some studies suggest that asymmetrical loading of the spine can progress the deformity. Multiple risk factors of progression have been detected: younger age at diagnosis , female sex ,higher initial Cobb angle and growth velocity (5) Severe scoliosis causes cosmetic concerns ,height reduction , reduced lung function and may progress to degenerative changes in adulthood (6) Treatment options for AIS include observation , bracing and surgery for curves more than 40 degree Cobb angle (7) Surgical correction has been a controversy for many years depending on the severity of the curve , the facility , surgeons preference and available instrumentation. Anterior surgery became popular due to some advantage over posterior surgery as direct derotation of the spine ,removal of the disc ,over correction of the apex over short construct but some results from that correction is production of hyper kyphosis which can cause pulmonary problems ,anterior surgery carry high risk of pseudoarthrosis ,increase motion stress distal to corrected levels causing adjacent level disease Anterior surgery also requires high degree of flexibility in curve otherwise it is not applicable . With advancing technique in posterior surgery and multiple training ,posterior surgery have been widely employed in correction of AIS with the same or even better results in severe cases As there is minimal affection in pulmonary function also it provides correction of Sagittal balance. (8)

Augmented Reality-Assisted Physiotherapy for Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Qualitative Study

This study aims to explore the effects of augmented reality (AR)-supported physiotherapy on body awareness, motivation, and exercise adherence in adolescents diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study will involve semi-structured interviews with adolescents who have completed at least four weeks of AR-based physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises. The goal is to understand participants' lived experiences with AR-enhanced rehabilitation and to inform the development of adolescent-centered, technology-integrated physiotherapy strategies in conservative scoliosis care.

Rethinking Rigidity: Development of a 3D-Printed Scoliosis Brace With Varying Flexibility

Scoliosis bracing is an effective treatment method for idiopathic scoliosis, but only if worn consistently for many hours a day. Unsurprisingly, brace discomfort is a significant deterrent against treatment adherence. For decades, custom braces for idiopathic scoliosis have been fabricated using one of three materials - copolymer, polypropylene, or polyethylene. The application of the biomechanical principles behind bracing have improved over the years, but the materials have not. The investigators' goal is to expand fabrication options by testing a 3D-printed scoliosis brace with variable flexibility. The aim is to improve patients' perceived brace comfort. After optimizing the brace design, the investigators will collect patient feedback about the design from currently braced participants. These participants understand what a standard brace feels like and will provide impactful feedback.