A Qualitative Evaluation of the Effects of Augmented Reality-Supported Training Methods on Body Awareness and Exercise Adherence in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore how augmented reality (AR)-supported physiotherapy affects body awareness, motivation, and exercise adherence in adolescents diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). It uses a qualitative phenomenological approach to understand participants' lived experiences with AR-enhanced rehabilitation. The study focuses on adolescents aged 10 to 18 who have completed at least four weeks of AR-based physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises, with the goal of improving technology-integrated physiotherapy approaches in scoliosis care. Participants will receive scoliosis-specific physiotherapy supported by AR technology for a minimum of four weeks. This intervention includes real-time avatar feedback, interactive postural training, and gamified elements to encourage engagement. Licensed physiotherapists deliver the exercises using a standardized AR system that guides movement and supports postural correction. The study collects data through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews conducted after the intervention period. During the study, adolescents will participate in interviews that explore their perceptions of body awareness, motivation, adherence challenges, and psychosocial adjustments related to the AR-supported exercises. These interviews are audio-recorded and transcribed for detailed thematic analysis by independent researchers. The primary outcome measured is the change in body awareness within one week after completing the four-week AR-supported physiotherapy. This study runs until July 2025 and aims to refine conservative scoliosis rehabilitation by integrating adolescent perspectives and technology.

Augmented Reality-Assisted Physiotherapy for Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Qualitative Study