Actively Recruiting
Back Pain Management in AIS: Impact of Yoga as Adjunct Treatment
Led by Johns Hopkins University · Updated on 2026-01-16
500
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal condition affecting more than 5% of children and adolescents, especially females at a ratio of 3 to 1 compared to males. It is characterized by a spinal curve greater than 10 degrees and is often linked to chronic back pain, poor sleep quality, and depression. Many AIS patients are not candidates for surgery and face limited non-operative treatment options, highlighting a need for alternative approaches, especially given barriers to physical therapy and the opioid crisis. This research aims to study the addition of a structured yoga program to standard care to improve relief and quality of life for AIS patients. The study is a randomized clinical trial including non-operative AIS patients, with or without bracing. Participants will be assigned to either continue their standard care or add a 20-minute online yoga class twice a week. The yoga protocol is designed to support physical and psychological health. The trial compares outcomes between those receiving standard care alone and those combining it with yoga. Both braced and non-braced patients are included in each group. Participants will be monitored through questionnaires like the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) tool, tracking pain, quality of life, depression, sleep, and activity levels at enrollment, six months, and one year. The study also measures the spinal curve angle (Cobb angle) and participant engagement with the yoga program. Data collection includes online class attendance, surveys, and follow-up visits to assess adherence, clinical outcomes, and overall feasibility over the course of the year-long study.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Yoga for Back Pain in Adolescent Scoliosis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Non-operatively treated AIS patients with back pain who are candidates for physical therapy
- Cobb angle greater than 25 degrees
- Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score greater than 41
- Patients who are braced or not braced
- Age between 10 and 20 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Scoliosis caused by conditions other than AIS
- Patients who have undergone surgery for scoliosis or back pain
- Age less than 10 years or greater than 20 years
- Unable to access Zoom on any electronic device
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 months to 1 year
Participants receive either standard care with or without the addition of yoga classes conducted online twice weekly to manage back pain associated with scoliosis.
Online yoga classes twice per week
Duration - Up to 1 year from enrollment
Participants complete questionnaires and measurements to assess pain, quality of life, and scoliosis angle after treatment.
Assessments at enrollment, 6 months, and 1 year
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21230
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Alexandra H Seidenstein, MD
G
Gabrielle Reichard, MA
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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