Postural Re-education for Adolescent Scoliosis

(RCT-RPG Trial)

Not currently recruiting at 2 trial locations

Overseen By Carole Fortin, PhD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: St. Justine's Hospital

Disqualifiers: Non-AIS diagnosis, Planned surgery, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 12 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the effectiveness of a treatment called global postural re-education (GPR) for teenagers with scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways. The study aims to determine if GPR can slow the curve's progression, reduce back pain, and improve overall quality of life and physical health. Participants will receive either standard care, which includes observation or a brace plus exercise videos, or GPR sessions along with standard care. The trial seeks teens with scoliosis whose spine curve is between 15º and 45º and who haven't had surgery or worn a brace for at least three months.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how GPR might benefit scoliosis patients.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this global postural re-education intervention is safe for adolescents with scoliosis?

Research has shown that global postural re-education (GPR) is generally safe. However, detailed safety data specifically for this method remains limited, so exact numbers on reactions to GPR are unavailable. Despite this, physiotherapists commonly use it for scoliosis.

Studies suggest that GPR can improve posture, reduce back pain, and enhance quality of life for people with scoliosis. These benefits indicate that the treatment is well-tolerated, as significant side effects would likely prevent such improvements.

For those considering participation in a GPR trial, it's important to note that while specific safety data might be limited, the treatment is regularly used without major issues being reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about global postural re-education (GPR) for adolescent scoliosis because it offers a unique approach compared to standard treatments like bracing or conventional physiotherapy. Unlike traditional methods that focus on correcting spinal curvature through external support, GPR emphasizes improving body posture and muscle balance through specific exercises. This method aims to address the root cause of scoliosis by enhancing the body's natural alignment and function, potentially reducing the need for braces or surgery. By integrating GPR with standard care, there is hope for more effective management of scoliosis, resulting in better long-term outcomes for adolescents.

What evidence suggests that global postural re-education is effective for adolescent scoliosis?

This trial will compare global postural re-education (GPR) with standard care for adolescent scoliosis. Research has shown that GPR might help individuals with scoliosis by reducing the curve in the upper back through posture correction. This method focuses on improving standing posture and muscle function. However, some studies suggest that GPR might not significantly impact posture for healthy young people. Overall, GPR could help prevent scoliosis from worsening and improve the quality of life for teenagers. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Carole Fortin, PhD

Principal Investigator

CHU Sainte-Justine/Université de Montréal

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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.

Inclusion Criteria

having recent x-rays (4-6 weeks)

with a risk of progression index > 1.3

I can travel weekly for the treatment.

Exclusion Criteria

worn a brace for at least three months prior to GPR intervention

I am scheduled for surgery.

I have undergone surgery.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either standard care or GPR intervention for scoliosis management

12 months

Weekly sessions for 6 months, bi-weekly sessions for 6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for scoliosis progression, back pain, and quality of life

12 months

Evaluations at 6, 12, and 24 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Global postural re-education

Trial Overview 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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: GPR group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

GPR interventions added to standard care (observation or brace)

Group II: Standard care group Active Control 1 Intervention

Observation or brace plus conventional physiotherapy exercises on video

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

St. Justine's Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

205

Recruited

87,300+

CHU de Québec

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

140+

Laval University

Collaborator

Trials

439

Recruited

178,000+

Shriners Hospitals for Children

Collaborator

Trials

98

Recruited

23,900+

Université de Montréal

Collaborator

Trials

223

Recruited

104,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6055339/

Global postural re-education in pediatric idiopathic scoliosis This study allowed quantification of thoracic curve reducibility obtained by external forces applications as well as patient's capacity to self-correct their ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04568759

Effect of a Postural Re-education Intervention Compared to ... The aim of this project is to verify the effect of the global postural reeducation (GPR) intervention used in physiotherapy on scoliosis progression (scoliosis ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-scoliosis-10-2020-b4d48

Postural Re-education for Adolescent Scoliosis (RCT-RPG ... This trial aims to see if GPR, a type of physical therapy focusing on posture and muscle exercises, can help adolescents with scoliosis.

4. mdpi.com mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/1/101

Effectiveness of Global Postural Reeducation in ... GPR does not appear to be effective in improving postural changes or center of pressure displacement in healthy young students.

5. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03663088

Effect of Global Postural Re-education in Idiopathic Scoliosis Secondary outcomes will be: posture, back pain and participation at 6 and 12 months. Statistical analyses: For feasibility, percentage of eligible patients ...

6. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/5/1581

Effects of Global Postural Re-Education Versus Specific ... Results: Global Postural Re-education was as effective as specific therapeutic exercises, showing improvements in all variables assessed with significant intra- ...