Clinical trials

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that appears during adolescence without an identifiable underlying cause. A variety of low-risk physical therapy modalities, such as TENS, acupuncture, kinesio taping, spinal manipulation, and mobilization, have been explored in the management of scoliosis. Among these approaches, lumbar mechanical spinal traction is a commonly used non-invasive and painless intervention in physical medicine and rehabilitation settings. However, existing research on traction in AIS remains limited and generally of low methodological quality. Preliminary and observational studies have reported mixed outcomes, and the clinical effectiveness of traction appears to depend on factors such as curve characteristics, treatment dose, and integration with active rehabilitation. To date, high-quality randomized controlled evidence evaluating lumbar mechanical spinal traction as an adjunct to scoliosis-specific exercises in AIS is lacking. This study aims to investigate the combined effects of lumbar mechanical spinal traction and scoliosis-specific exercises in adolescents diagnosed with AIS. A prospective randomized controlled design will be used to assess changes in Cobb angle, posture, pain, and functional status. The findings may help clarify whether adding mechanical traction provides additional benefit beyond exercise alone in the conservative treatment of AIS.

The aim of this single-blind randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of two therapies-neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback-in stroke patients with shoulder (glenohumeral) subluxation. The study will evaluate changes in shoulder structure and function by measuring the acromion-greater tuberosity distance, supraspinatus and posterior deltoid muscle thickness, shoulder range of motion, and Brunnstrom stage of the upper extremity and hand. Clinical outcomes such as shoulder pain, stroke-specific quality of life, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) will also be assessed. This trial is designed to provide evidence on which therapy may be more effective for improving shoulder stability, reducing pain, and enhancing quality of life in stroke survivors with shoulder subluxation.