Funding outcome

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a deformity of the spine. AIS affects 2-3% of teens, mostly females. Scoliosis can cause pain, limit function, quality of life, and self-image. These problems persist in adults. Treatments aim to prevent curve from getting worse before teens stop growing. This is because the symptoms occur mostly once curves exceed 50 degrees. Keeping curves small in teens also prevents worsening in adults. Bracing can be uncomfortable and affect social interactions. Many patients fear the long and costly surgery. Our award-winning study showed that 6 months of Schroth exercises taught in person can help. Exercises prevented curve from getting worse, improved posture and back muscle function. Many patients prefer to exercise. However, no study has tested if exercises taught online work as well. Online therapy is needed for patients living too far from a therapist and during the pandemic. Online therapy can make the lives of families easier because they do not need to visit therapists at specific times. The goal of this study is to compare the effects of adding 6 months of Schroth scoliosis exercises taught online to standard care alone on the curve angle. We will also study the quality-of-life, self-image, posture and muscle fatigue. We will also compare the effect of adding 6 months of Schroth therapy after 6 months in the standard care group. The study will include 50 growing females with scoliosis from Northern Alberta with curves between 10 and 45 degrees.