Virtual reality could transform scoliosis therapy for teens
NCT ID NCT07794020
First seen Aug 31, 2026 · Last updated Sep 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether adding virtual reality to Schroth exercises, a standard physiotherapy for scoliosis, improves trunk movement and quality of life in adolescents with moderate curves. Researchers will compare traditional supervised Schroth exercises with two VR-enhanced versions: one using a high-end Meta Quest 2 headset and another using a low-cost Google Cardboard viewer. Participants, aged 10 to 19 with a Cobb angle between 20 and 35 degrees, will attend sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. The study measures trunk rotation, tilt, and flexibility using wearable sensors, along with quality-of-life questionnaires.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Virtual reality-based Schroth exercise (using Meta Quest 2 or Google Cardboard) compared with traditional supervised Schroth exercise
- What this could lead to
- If VR-based Schroth exercises work as well as or better than traditional ones, teens with scoliosis might have a more engaging way to improve posture and quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with 54 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. VR may cause dizziness or discomfort, and the benefit over traditional exercise is not yet proven.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 54 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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10 to 19 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 10-19 years. * Diagnosed adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) confirmed by spinal radiography . * Cobb angle between 20° and 35° (moderate curve, below surgical threshold). * No prior spinal surgery. * Ability to perform Schroth exercises independently. * Ability to use a virtual reality headset. * No prior virtual reality experience. * Free from pain or pain less than 8 on visual analogue scale. * Type of curve (thoracolumbar s scoliosis). Exclusion Criteria: * Secondary scoliosis (neuromuscular or post-surgical scoliosis). * Severe structural deformity (Cobb angle \>50° or severe vertebral rotation). * Neurological or neuromuscular disorders affecting balance or proprioception. * Active orthopedic injury or recent surgery (\<2 years) involving the spine or lower extremities. * Severe cardiopulmonary disease contraindicating exercise. * Uncontrolled pain (Visual Analog Scale \>8). * Current participation in another structured spinal rehabilitation program or participation within the last 6 months. * History of severe cybersickness or prior intolerance to virtual reality exposure. * Vision or hearing impairment preventing interaction with virtual reality--based games
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Cairo university
Cairo, Egypt
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