Back Pain Management in AIS: Yoga vs Physical Therapy — AIS  

Scoliosis Clinical Trial

Official title: Back Pain Management in AIS: Yoga vs Physical Therapy

Status Not yet recruiting

Clinical Trial Summary

Targeting non-operative Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients, including those who are braced and non-braced, this research project at Johns Hopkins Hospital seeks to revolutionize the treatment approach for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. This innovative study compares traditional physical therapy with a yoga-based intervention, focusing on alleviating back pain and enhancing quality of life in this specific patient group. This research is anchored in substantial existing evidence that highlights the physiological and psychological benefits of yoga and is in alignment with current AIS treatment strategies.

Addressing the urgent need for diverse non-operative management strategies for AIS, this study is particularly timely given the challenges in accessing physical therapy and the growing concerns over opioid use. The investigators exploration of structured yoga protocols aims to introduce a viable alternative therapy, providing significant relief and improving the quality of life for AIS patients who are not candidates for surgery. By integrating cutting-edge healthcare solutions with the increasing interest in yoga in the U.S., this project aims to establish a new benchmark in non-surgical AIS treatment that is both effective and accessible to a wide range of patients

Clinical Trial Description

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) affects over 5% of children, about 3 million new cases of the condition are diagnosed in the United States per year, and is a major health challenge. Characterized by a pronounced spinal curvature, predominantly in female adolescents, AIS leads to back pain and other complications. These issues not only strain patients but also place significant demands on the healthcare system, underscoring the need for effective, accessible non-operative treatments.

A critical gap exists for patients with curvature levels below surgical thresholds, who lack viable non-operative management options. This issue is exacerbated by limited access to physical therapy and concerns over pharmaceutical treatments for pain management. This study targets this gap, proposing to evaluate structured yoga protocols as an alternative intervention for AIS patients not ready for surgery. The project builds on research highlighting yoga's physiological and psychological benefits, aligning with current AIS treatment strategies. The significance of this research lies in its potential to transform the standard of care for AIS. Should yoga prove superior or non-inferior to physical therapy, it could herald a paradigm shift towards a more holistic, cost-effective approach. This shift would not only alleviate healthcare system burdens by reducing costs but also improve accessibility for patients with limited physical therapy options.

This trial aspires to pave the way for non-pharmacological interventions in pediatric orthopedics, particularly important in light of the growing opioid crisis. By offering an alternative pain management strategy, this project supports the well-being of the pediatric population with chronic conditions like AIS. It resonates with the urgent need to innovate and expand current strategies, guiding the medical community towards integrative approaches as a norm rather than an exception. Ultimately, this research aims to steer pediatric orthopedics towards a more inclusive, accessible, and holistic healthcare system, thereby enhancing the quality of life for pediatric patients with AIS. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Back Pain
• Scoliosis
• Scoliosis Idiopathic
• Scoliosis; Adolescence

• NCT number: NCT06242821
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Johns Hopkins University
• Contact: Alexandra H Seidenstein, MD
• Phone: 410-502-3626
• Email: aseiden8@jh.edu
• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: June 25, 2024
• Completion date: March 2026