Morning Bright Light Therapy to Help Prevent and Slow Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children Aged 10 to 15 Years

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying adolescent idiopathic scoliosis AIS, a common spinal condition in children aged 10 to 15 years characterized by a sideways curvature of the spine without known causes like congenital or neuromuscular disorders. The study explores whether morning bright light therapy can reduce the progression rate of AIS and possibly prevent its new development by addressing circadian rhythm disruptions common during puberty. This is a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial aimed at identifying a non-drug way to manage scoliosis through circadian rhythm adjustment. Participants with AIS and an evening chronotype will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group will use a portable light therapy device emitting blue light 480 nm, 400 lux for 15 to 30 minutes each weekday morning upon waking for six months, combined with a one-time sleep hygiene education session. The control group will receive the same sleep hygiene education without the light therapy device. Regular phone calls will support adherence in the intervention group, and follow-up visits with spine X-rays will occur every six months for at least two years to monitor scoliosis progression. Children with evening chronotype but no scoliosis will also be randomized and monitored annually. Throughout the study, participants will attend follow-up visits every six months for up to 24 months, where spinal curvature angles and trunk rotation will be measured. Additional assessments include questionnaires on scoliosis impact, self-reported and biological circadian rhythm measurements, and gene expression analysis related to circadian markers at baseline and six months. The study will monitor adherence to therapy through phone follow-ups and assess safety and efficacy through these clinical and biological outcomes over the study duration.

Effect of Bright Light Therapy on Idiopathic Scoliosis