Gentle diaphragm stretch may boost scoliosis therapy in teens
NCT ID NCT07482748
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether adding a simple manual diaphragm release to standard Schroth exercises can improve breathing, posture, and quality of life in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Forty-two teens aged 10–18 will be randomly assigned to either Schroth exercises alone or Schroth plus diaphragm mobilization, three times a week for six weeks. Researchers will measure lung function, trunk rotation, and chest mobility at the start, end, and at a 12-week follow-up.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Diaphragm mobilization (manual therapy technique)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, non-drug way to improve breathing and posture in teens with scoliosis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 42 participants. The added benefit of diaphragm mobilization may be small or not noticeable, and results may not apply to all scoliosis patients.
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 42 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Mar 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jan 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 18 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: * Adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years * Diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis * Cobb angle ≥ 10° * Ability to participate in exercise sessions * Written informed consent from the participant and their parent or legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: * Non-idiopathic scoliosis (e.g., neuromuscular, congenital, or syndromic scoliosis) * Presence of congenital anomalies affecting the musculoskeletal system * Previous scoliosis treatment within the last 6 months * Participation in another physiotherapy or rehabilitation program during the study period * Current use of a scoliosis brace * History of spinal surgery * Presence of neurological, rheumatological, or cardiopulmonary diseases that may affect participation in the intervention * Cognitive impairment, communication disorders, or any condition that may limit the ability to follow instructions or complete assessments
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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
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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.
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