ScoliosisNCT06806020
Effect Of Scientific Exercise Approach For Scoliosis Versus Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School On Correction Of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
A study testing SEAS approach and BSPTS school in people with Scoliosis and Idiopathic Scoliosis, run by Kafrelsheikh University at 1 site in Egypt.
Trial summary
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis AIS is the usual diagnosis made in healthy children with a spinal curvature of unknown cause of least 10 degrees but less than 50 degrees. The primary aim of scoliosis management is to stop curvature progression. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 12 to 16 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Scoliosis, Idiopathic Scoliosis, Adolescent Scoliosis
- What is being tested?
- SEAS approach and BSPTS school
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteEgypt
- Study dates
- 1 May 2025to 1 Nov 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 12 to 16 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child
Who may be able to join
- angle of scoliosis < 30,
- Risser sign of 0-3,
- not participating in other treatment during study
- not using braces.
Who cannot join
- scoliosis due to congenital, neuromuscular, or syndromic etiology,
- true leg length discrepancy,
- cardiac anomalies, kyphosis, asthma, and other pulmonary diseases.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis AIS is the usual diagnosis made in healthy children with a spinal curvature of unknown cause of least 10 degrees but less than 50 degrees. The primary aim of scoliosis management is to stop curvature progression. Anecdotally, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons agree that PSSEs are often considered to produce just as successful of a patient outcome as does surgery.
SEAS has been described as a scoliosis-specific active self-correction technique performed without any external aids and incorporated into functional exercises, The primary goals of SEAS include enhanced posture control, posture rehabilitation, muscle endurance, spinal stability, self-correction, and development of balance stability. Treatment sessions are conducted at least twice a week for 40 minutes each.
Read more
Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School BSPTS method: based on the principles developed by Katharina Schroth, and is mainly used to treat patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, some forms of congenital anteroposterior scoliosis deformities and such other as Scheuermann disease. The predecessor of BSPTS was founded in 1968 in Barcelona, Spain by physiotherapist Elena Salvá. It is a physiotherapy method that includes cognitive, sensory and kinesthetic retraining to improve scoliosis at a three dimensional level. All principles follow a complete posture correction pattern including the trunk, upper and lower limbs. High-intensity forces are applied to the exercises through isometric contractions, stretching and breathing exercises. In summary, the principles of the BSPTS Method as they appear in the international literature are: 3D postural correction, translation, rotation, sagittal expansions, Expansion / Contraction, Stabilization, Integration.
Studies have shown that the BSPTS methodology is also effective in stabilizing the progression of scoliosis. In a one-year study by Zapata and co-authors, the BSPTS group showed effective stabilization of the Cobb angle compared to the observation group.
There isn't any previous study comparing between effect of SEAS approach and BSPTS in treating AIS.
Read the detailed description
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal abnormality. The most prevalent form of scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis AIS. Usually between the ages of 10 and 16. The majority of patients frequently report the first sign of spinal rotation. The thoracic cage's asymmetry and uneven shoulder height follow, along with other abnormalities like razor back, pelvic tilt, falling height, and uneven lower limb length. In extreme situations, movement imbalance and cardiopulmonary dysfunction may also arise. Additionally, because of changes in their physical appearance brought on by the condition, people with AIS may face psychological problems, such as feelings of inadequacy and the possible emergence of psychological disorders. AIS is now a well-known condition that hinders development and growth.
After ruling out all other possible causes of scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis is determined. Only 0.3% to 0.5% of adolescents with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis AIS, which affects 2% to 3% of the population, will have a curvature of greater than 20 degrees, the magnitude of the curve at which treatment is typically advised. The risk of advancement is highest at the onset of puberty. According to the Heuter-Volkmann principle loading affects vertebral development. In order to better develop conservative treatment for spinal deformity it's better to start during the adolescent growth.
A thorough treatment plan is necessary for the conservative therapy of idiopathic scoliosis because of its complex pathomechanism. Using physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises PSSE is one of the best ways to address scoliosis. For all schools and techniques that have been approved by the SOSORT, the phrase physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises PSSE is used. Every approach and school shares a common goal and applies the SOSORT guidelines' tenets. Scientific evidence must serve as the foundation for a PSSE physiotherapy approach that is tailored to each patient. According to the SOSORT consensus, 3D self-correction ranks top among the crucial components that should be incorporated into the exercises . Self-correction is the process by which a patient looks for the optimal alignment they may attain in the three spatial planes.
The BSPTS is the physiotherapy method integrated into the rehabilitation approach used in the 'Elena Salva Institute' in Barcelona, Spain. BSPTS is physiotherapy method that can be defined as a therapy plan of cognitive, sensory-motor and kinaesthetic training which teaches the patient to improve her/his scoliosis posture and soft tissue imbalance, utilizing the assumption that scoliosis posture and soft tissue imbalance promote curve progression. The BSPTS recognizes the importance of multidisciplinary team approach to treat scoliosis which should include medical doctor, physiotherapist, orthotist and psychologist.
The SEAS approach originates from Lyon, some of the base characteristics previously published for the Lyon approach have been retained in SEAS: increasing patient's awareness of the deformity, emphasizing an independent auto-correction by the patient, use of exercises in which balance reactions are elicited. The most important differences gradually developed by SEAS, that made it different from the Lyon approach, include: active three-dimensional self-correction instead of the former auto-elongation, spinal stabilization concept according to the actual physiotherapeutic literature, research of an automatic correct reflex response, namely, a subconscious self-correction which should help to obtain the better integration in the daily life. focus on the cognitive-behavioral approach of the patient to increase compliance to treatment, variability of exercises stimuli instead of absolute repetitive precision of movements, according to modern neurophysiologic knowledge.
Self-correction can be defined as the search for the best possible alignment the patient can achieve in the three spatial planes. Three-dimensional self-correction is considered one of the most important elements for the organization of conservative treatment. The SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment) consensus in 2005 attributes to the "3D Self-correction" first place in the ranking of important elements to be included in the exercises, The goal of SEAS exercises is to develop an automatic reaction to reaching a more appropriate posture which will encourage the maintenance of a three-dimensionally corrected posture while engaging in daily activities.
- Conditions
- Scoliosis, Idiopathic Scoliosis, Adolescent Scoliosis
- Being tested
- SEAS approach, BSPTS school
- Keywords
- idiopathic adolescent scoliosis SEAS BSPTS, SEAS approach, BSPTS
- Medical subject headings
- Scoliosis
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
SEAS approachOther
The SEAS approach provides a thorough evaluation of the patient before the treatment starts. In addition to the usual measurements for the specific assessment of the scoliosis (Cobb degrees, Bunnel, trunk decompensation, sagittal postural structure and aesthetic parameters), the patient performs a series of tests. The objectives are: assessment of physical conditions (strength and elasticity of certain muscle areas that are more likely 6 influence the structure of the pelvis and the spine), assessment of neuromotor ability related to the alignment of the spine and the pelvis (balance, management of body movements with closed eyes, optical/manual skills) (Romano et al, 2015).
The main aim of SEAS is to reverse the Stokes vicious cycle, so, the abnormal loading created by the scoliosis with an asymmetric growth leading to worsening of curves that will lead to further asymmetric growth due to increased asymmetrical loading (ettany et al 2014).
The goal of SEAS exercises is to develop an a
BSPTS schoolOther
Barcelona scoliosis physical therapy school (BSPTS): Based on the theory that scoliosis posture promotes curve progression, according to the "vicious cycle" model, Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) is a physiotherapeutic method that can be defined as a therapy plan of cognitive, sensory-motor, and kinesthetic training to teach the patient to improve their scoliosis 3D posture and shape. The BSTPS method aims to: 1) improve aesthetics and correct scoliotic posture; 2) stabilize the spine and stop the progression of the curve; 3) inform patients and their families about the condition and available treatments; 4) enhance breathing; 5) increase activity, including daily living activities and functional mobility; 6) enhance general self-image and self-esteem; and 7) reduce pain. The initial ideas serve as the foundation for BSPTS correctional Principles (Berdishevsky et al 2016).
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| group (1) | Experimental | SEAS approach Receives: Other: SEAS approach |
| group (2) | Experimental | BSPTS school Receives: Other: BSPTS school |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
change of cobbs angle
by x-ray assessment of cobbs angle to know the change of the scoliosis curvature
Measured: after 6 months of treatment
change of sagittal and coronal imbalance
laser line machine will be used to assess changes of imbalance of sagittal and coronal
Measured: after 6 months of treatment
changes of angle of trunk rotation
scoliometer is used to assess angle of trunk rotation
Measured: after 6 months of treatment
Secondary outcomes (1)
assess quality of life
SRS-22r patient Questionnaire used to assess quality of life
Measured: after 6 months of treatment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted3 Feb 2025
- Study start1 May 2025
- Primary completion1 Sep 2025
- Study completion1 Nov 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for ScoliosisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Kafrelsheikh UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Intervention study model Parallel assignment The study will include 30 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients ( age12-16 years old ) subjects meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to two experimental groups : First experimental group: children in this group will receive BSPTS school Second experimental group: children in this group will receive SEAS approach
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Kafrelsheikh University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Huda Hashad, Kafrelsheikh University
- Investigators
- Mohamed Bedair Ebrahim, professor of physical therapy, Principal investigator, Kafrelsheikh University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06806020
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- KFSIRB200-404
- Status last verified
- Nov 2025
- First submitted
- 27 Jan 2025
- Last updated
- 3 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 3 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect Of Scientific Exercise Approach For Scoliosis Versus Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School On Correction Of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06806020
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- KFSIRB200-404
- Conditions
- Scoliosis, Idiopathic Scoliosis, Adolescent Scoliosis
- Keywords
- idiopathic adolescent scoliosis SEAS BSPTS, SEAS approach, BSPTS
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Kafrelsheikh UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 1 Nov 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 3 Feb 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis AIS is the usual diagnosis made in healthy children with a spinal curvature of unknown cause of least 10 degrees but less than 50 degrees. The primary aim of scoliosis management is to stop curvature progression. Anecdotally, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons agree that PSSEs are often considered to produce just as successful of a patient outcome as does surgery.
SEAS has been described as a scoliosis-specific active self-correction technique performed without any external aids and incorporated into functional exercises, The primary goals of SEAS include enhanced posture control, posture rehabilitation, muscle endurance, spinal stability, self-correction, and development of balance stability. Treatment sessions are conducted at least twice a week for 40 minutes each.
Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School BSPTS method: based on the principles developed by Katharina Schroth, and is mainly used to treat patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, some forms of congenital anteroposterior scoliosis deformities and such other as Scheuermann disease. The predecessor of BSPTS was founded in 1968 in Barcelona, Spain by physiotherapist Elena Salvá. It is a physiotherapy method that includes cognitive, sensory and kinesthetic retraining to improve scoliosis at a three dimensional level. All principles follow a complete posture correction pattern including the trunk, upper and lower limbs. High-intensity forces are applied to the exercises through isometric contractions, stretching and breathing exercises. In summary, the principles of the BSPTS Method as they appear in the international literature are: 3D postural correction, translation, rotation, sagittal expansions, Expansion / Contraction, Stabilization, Integration.
Studies have shown that the BSPTS methodology is also effective in stabilizing the progression of scoliosis. In a one-year study by Zapata and co-authors, the BSPTS group showed effective stabilization of the Cobb angle compared to the observation group.
There isn't any previous study comparing between effect of SEAS approach and BSPTS in treating AIS.
Detailed description
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal abnormality. The most prevalent form of scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis AIS. Usually between the ages of 10 and 16. The majority of patients frequently report the first sign of spinal rotation. The thoracic cage's asymmetry and uneven shoulder height follow, along with other abnormalities like razor back, pelvic tilt, falling height, and uneven lower limb length. In extreme situations, movement imbalance and cardiopulmonary dysfunction may also arise. Additionally, because of changes in their physical appearance brought on by the condition, people with AIS may face psychological problems, such as feelings of inadequacy and the possible emergence of psychological disorders. AIS is now a well-known condition that hinders development and growth.
After ruling out all other possible causes of scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis is determined. Only 0.3% to 0.5% of adolescents with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis AIS, which affects 2% to 3% of the population, will have a curvature of greater than 20 degrees, the magnitude of the curve at which treatment is typically advised. The risk of advancement is highest at the onset of puberty. According to the Heuter-Volkmann principle loading affects vertebral development. In order to better develop conservative treatment for spinal deformity it's better to start during the adolescent growth.
A thorough treatment plan is necessary for the conservative therapy of idiopathic scoliosis because of its complex pathomechanism. Using physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises PSSE is one of the best ways to address scoliosis. For all schools and techniques that have been approved by the SOSORT, the phrase physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises PSSE is used. Every approach and school shares a common goal and applies the SOSORT guidelines' tenets. Scientific evidence must serve as the foundation for a PSSE physiotherapy approach that is tailored to each patient. According to the SOSORT consensus, 3D self-correction ranks top among the crucial components that should be incorporated into the exercises . Self-correction is the process by which a patient looks for the optimal alignment they may attain in the three spatial planes.
The BSPTS is the physiotherapy method integrated into the rehabilitation approach used in the 'Elena Salva Institute' in Barcelona, Spain. BSPTS is physiotherapy method that can be defined as a therapy plan of cognitive, sensory-motor and kinaesthetic training which teaches the patient to improve her/his scoliosis posture and soft tissue imbalance, utilizing the assumption that scoliosis posture and soft tissue imbalance promote curve progression. The BSPTS recognizes the importance of multidisciplinary team approach to treat scoliosis which should include medical doctor, physiotherapist, orthotist and psychologist.
The SEAS approach originates from Lyon, some of the base characteristics previously published for the Lyon approach have been retained in SEAS: increasing patient's awareness of the deformity, emphasizing an independent auto-correction by the patient, use of exercises in which balance reactions are elicited. The most important differences gradually developed by SEAS, that made it different from the Lyon approach, include: active three-dimensional self-correction instead of the former auto-elongation, spinal stabilization concept according to the actual physiotherapeutic literature, research of an automatic correct reflex response, namely, a subconscious self-correction which should help to obtain the better integration in the daily life. focus on the cognitive-behavioral approach of the patient to increase compliance to treatment, variability of exercises stimuli instead of absolute repetitive precision of movements, according to modern neurophysiologic knowledge.
Self-correction can be defined as the search for the best possible alignment the patient can achieve in the three spatial planes. Three-dimensional self-correction is considered one of the most important elements for the organization of conservative treatment. The SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment) consensus in 2005 attributes to the "3D Self-correction" first place in the ranking of important elements to be included in the exercises, The goal of SEAS exercises is to develop an automatic reaction to reaching a more appropriate posture which will encourage the maintenance of a three-dimensionally corrected posture while engaging in daily activities.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Intervention study model Parallel assignment The study will include 30 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients ( age12-16 years old ) subjects meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to two experimental groups : First experimental group: children in this group will receive BSPTS school Second experimental group: children in this group will receive SEAS approach
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| group (1) | Experimental | Other: SEAS approachSEAS approach |
| group (2) | Experimental | Other: BSPTS schoolBSPTS school |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 12 to 16 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- angle of scoliosis < 30,
- Risser sign of 0-3,
- not participating in other treatment during study
- not using braces.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- scoliosis due to congenital, neuromuscular, or syndromic etiology,
- true leg length discrepancy,
- cardiac anomalies, kyphosis, asthma, and other pulmonary diseases.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| SEAS approachThe SEAS approach provides a thorough evaluation of the patient before the treatment starts. In addition to the usual measurements for the specific assessment of the scoliosis (Cobb degrees, Bunnel, trunk decompensation, sagittal postural structure and aesthetic parameters), the patient performs a series of tests. The objectives are: assessment of physical conditions (strength and elasticity of certain muscle areas that are more likely 6 influence the structure of the pelvis and the spine), assessment of neuromotor ability related to the alignment of the spine and the pelvis (balance, management of body movements with closed eyes, optical/manual skills) (Romano et al, 2015). The main aim of SEAS is to reverse the Stokes vicious cycle, so, the abnormal loading created by the scoliosis with an asymmetric growth leading to worsening of curves that will lead to further asymmetric growth due to increased asymmetrical loading (ettany et al 2014). The goal of SEAS exercises is to develop an a | Other | group (1) |
| BSPTS schoolBarcelona scoliosis physical therapy school (BSPTS): Based on the theory that scoliosis posture promotes curve progression, according to the "vicious cycle" model, Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) is a physiotherapeutic method that can be defined as a therapy plan of cognitive, sensory-motor, and kinesthetic training to teach the patient to improve their scoliosis 3D posture and shape. The BSTPS method aims to: 1) improve aesthetics and correct scoliotic posture; 2) stabilize the spine and stop the progression of the curve; 3) inform patients and their families about the condition and available treatments; 4) enhance breathing; 5) increase activity, including daily living activities and functional mobility; 6) enhance general self-image and self-esteem; and 7) reduce pain. The initial ideas serve as the foundation for BSPTS correctional Principles (Berdishevsky et al 2016). | Other | group (2) |
Primary outcome
change of cobbs angle
Time frame: after 6 months of treatment
by x-ray assessment of cobbs angle to know the change of the scoliosis curvature
change of sagittal and coronal imbalance
Time frame: after 6 months of treatment
laser line machine will be used to assess changes of imbalance of sagittal and coronal
changes of angle of trunk rotation
Time frame: after 6 months of treatment
scoliometer is used to assess angle of trunk rotation
1 secondary outcome
assess quality of life
Time frame: after 6 months of treatment
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 3 Dec 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Mohamed Bedair Ebrahim, professor of physical therapy principal investigator
Kafrelsheikh University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing SEAS approach and BSPTS school in people with Scoliosis and Idiopathic Scoliosis, run by Kafrelsheikh University at 1 site in Egypt.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Egypt. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
change of cobbs angle (time frame: after 6 months of treatment). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Dec 2025.