Clinical trial NCT06904157: Investigation of Shoulder Position, Upper Extremity Proprioception, and Function in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Braces
Official title: Investigation of Shoulder Head Position, Upper Extremity Proprioception, and Upper Extremity Function in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Braces
Study type: OBSERVATIONAL
Overall status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Conditions: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
Keywords: Scoliosis
Brace
Upper Extremity
Proprioception
Function
Lead sponsor: Hacettepe University
Sponsor class: OTHER
Collaborators: name: Hacettepe University
First posted: 2025-04-01
Enrollment: 30
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 10
Maximum age (years): 18
Standard ages: CHILD
ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Observational model: CASE_CROSSOVER
Time perspective: CROSS_SECTIONAL
Sampling method: PROBABILITY_SAMPLE
Study population: This study will be carried out on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis individuals between the ages of 10-18 who have been using the brace prescribed by a physician for at least one month and age-matched healthy individuals. The corsets used by the individuals with scoliosis included in the study will be the previously prepared Cheneau type brace. Healthy individuals will be included in the study with the snowball method from the close environment of the individuals with scoliosis.

Brief summary: This study aims to investigate the effects of brace use on shoulder position, upper extremity proprioception, and upper extremity function in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants will be assessed under both in-brace and out-brace conditions. The control group's upper extremity proprioception and upper extremity function will be assessed under out-brace condition. Shoulder position will be evaluated using a photographic method, while upper extremity proprioception (angular deviation) will be measured with the Laser Pointer-Assisted Angle Reproduction Test. Upper extremity function will be assessed through muscle strength tests, the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test, the Medicine Ball Throw Test, the Finger-to-Nose Test, the Nellson Hand Reaction Test, and the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test. Adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis who have been prescribed brace treatment and have no history of spinal surgery or neurological/musculoskeletal conditions affecting upper extremity function will be included. Individuals with congenital or neuromuscular scoliosis, previous spinal surgery, neurological disorders affecting proprioception, or those unable to comply with study assessments will be excluded. This study aims to provide insights into the impact of bracing on proprioception and upper extremity function, contributing to the development of rehabilitation strategies for scoliosis management.

Detailed description: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by lateral curvature and vertebral rotation, affecting postural alignment, musculoskeletal function, and neuromuscular control. AIS can lead to asymmetrical loading of the spine and trunk, potentially altering proprioception, postural stability, and functional capacity. Bracing is a widely used conservative treatment aimed at preventing curve progression and maintaining spinal alignment during skeletal growth. However, its effects on upper extremity function, proprioception, and shoulder biomechanics remain underexplored.

Proprioception, the body's ability to sense movement and position, plays a critical role in motor control and stability. In AIS, spinal asymmetry and altered postural alignment may disrupt proprioceptive feedback mechanisms, leading to compensatory movement strategies and potential impairments in upper extremity coordination and function. Additionally, bracing may impose external constraints that influence neuromuscular activation patterns and joint positioning, further affecting movement efficiency and functional performance.

This study aims to investigate the impact of brace use on shoulder position, upper extremity proprioception, and functional performance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants will be assessed in both braced and unbraced conditions to determine how brace-related mechanical constraints influence proprioceptive accuracy, postural adaptation, and functional motor skills. Shoulder position will be analyzed through photographic assessment, while proprioception will be measured using the Laser Pointer-Assisted Angle Reproduction Test. Upper extremity function will be evaluated using standardized clinical assessments, including strength tests, stability and coordination measures, and reaction time assessments.

Understanding the effects of bracing on upper extremity proprioception and function is essential for optimizing rehabilitation strategies in AIS. This study seeks to provide evidence that can inform clinical decision-making regarding brace design, therapy interventions, and functional training approaches to minimize movement restrictions and enhance musculoskeletal performance in adolescents undergoing brace treatment.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

- Inclusion criteria for the patient group;

* To have a diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS),
* Be using Cheneau Type corset for at least one month,
* Having a primary thoracic or thoracolumbar curve,
* Cobb angle of 20 degrees or more,
* The dominant hand is the right hand,
* Volunteering to participate in the study,
* Parental consent was required. Inclusion criteria for the control group;
* Individuals between the ages of 10-18
* Dominant Hand is the Right Hand
* Volunteering to Participate in the Study

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion Criteria for Patient Group;

* Having a diagnosis of Congenital Scoliosis,
* Becoming a Professional Athlete,
* Neuromuscular, Rheumatologic, Renal Except Scoliosis, Any History of Vestibular, Pulmonary or Cardiovascular Disease Finding
* History of Surgical Intervention on the Spine. Exclusion Criteria for Control Group;
* Neuromuscular, Rheumatologic, Renal, Vestibular, Pulmonary Or History of any Cardiovascular Disease
* History of Spine Surgery,
* Being a Professional Athlete.

Primary outcomes:
measure: Cobb Angle Measurement
timeFrame: Baseline and first week of brace use
measure: Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR)
timeFrame: Before brace application and 1 hour after brace application
measure: Upper Extremity Proprioception Accuracy
timeFrame: Before brace application and 1 hour after brace application
measure: Anterior Humeral Head Position
timeFrame: Before brace application and 1 hour after brace application
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Upper Extremity Muscle Strength
timeFrame: Before brace application and 1 hour after brace application
measure: Hand Dexterity (Minnesota Dexterity Test)
timeFrame: Before brace application and 1 hour after brace application
measure: Hand Reaction Time (Nelson Hand Reaction Test)
timeFrame: Before brace application and 1 hour after brace application
measure: Upper Extremity Coordination (Finger-to-Nose Test)
timeFrame: Before brace application and 1 hour after brace application
measure: Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability (CKCUES) Test
timeFrame: Before brace application and 1 hour after brace application
measure: Open Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Power (Medicine Ball Throw Test)
timeFrame: Before brace application and 1 hour after brace application
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Ankara
country: Turkey
facility: Hacettepe University / Orthotics and Biomechanics Unit
state: Altındağ
Study officials:
References: