Scapula and Upper Extremity Performance in Scoliosis

ınvestigation of the Relationship Between Scapular Position and Upper Extremity Performance in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis s a three-dimensional spinal deformity that may alter shoulder girdle alignment, scapular orientation, and upper extremity biomechanics. Changes in scapular position can influence arm movement, muscle activation, and overall functional performance. Understanding these relationships is clinically important for developing effective exercise and rehabilitation strategies.

The aim of this study is to examine the association between scapular position and upper extremity performance in adolescents diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scapular dyskinesis, scapular lateral displacement, and upper limb functional performance will be evaluated and correlated with Cobb angle severity. Findings may help clinicians better understand functional impairments linked to scoliosis and support more targeted rehabilitation programs.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis; Upper Extremity
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Assessment

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 20

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Kubra Kardeş, Asst. Prof.; Phone Number: 05387115631; Email: kubra.koce@istinye.edu.tr

Study Locations

• Turkey (Türkiye)
  • Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye), 34010
    • Recruiting
    • Istinye University
    • Contact: Kubra Kardeş, Asst.Prof; Phone Number: 05387115631; Email: kubra.koce@istinye.edu.tr

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of adolescents aged 10 to 19 years who have been clinically and radiographically diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Participants must have a Cobb angle between 10° and 45°, no previous scoliosis-specific conservative treatment, and the physical ability to complete scapular assessment and upper extremity performance testing.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
• Age 10-19 years
• Cobb angle between 10° and 45°
• No prior scoliosis-specific conservative treatment
• Ability to participate in physical assessments
• Voluntary willingness to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neuromuscular, congenital, or syndromic scoliosis
• Prior spinal surgery
• Shoulder injury or upper limb pathology affecting performance
• Neurological or rheumatological disorders
• Communication or cognitive limitations interfering with testing

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Group; Participants with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis underwent assessments of scapular dyskinesis, scapular lateral displacement, and upper extremity performance using standardized functional tests.	Other: Assessment; Participants with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis underwent assessments of scapular dyskinesis, scapular lateral displacement, and upper extremity performance using standardized functional tests.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Medicine Ball Throw Test	The test will be used to assess upper extremity explosive power. Participants will be positioned in an upright chair without armrests, with their ankles, knees, and hips at 90 degrees. They will be asked to grasp a 3-kg medicine ball with both hands and throw it overhead without bending their bodies forward or flexing their elbows. The first point where the ball touches the floor will be measured from the starting point, and the value will be recorded in cm. The test will be repeated three times, and the average will be recorded. If participants throw the ball down to neck level or by bending forward from the body, the test will be invalid and the test will be repeated.	4 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Scapular Dyskinesis Test	This is a dynamic test in which the individual, using weights determined by the individual's body weight, actively abducts and flexes their arms bilaterally and with the weight in hand. These movements are repeated several times, and scapular winging, scapular asymmetry, and abnormal movements during these movements indicate the presence of scapular dyskinesis. The type of scapular dyskinesis is determined after these repetitions.	4 weeks
Scapular Lateral Slip Test	The Scapular Lateral Slip Test, as defined by Kibler, is a semi-dynamic test commonly used to assess the presence of scapular dyskinesis. The individual to be tested was assessed in a standing position with their back turned and open. In the test performed to assess dominant and non-dominant scapular positions, the distance between the spinous process of the T3 vertebra and the medial end of the scapula root (spinal root) and the distance between the spinous process of the T7 vertebra and the inferior end of the scapula were measured with a tape measure and recorded in centimeters (cm). A difference of more than 1.5 cm between the dominant and non-dominant side measurements indicates a positive test.	4 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Istinye University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Estimated): November 20, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): February 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): February 28, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: November 18, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 18, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): November 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): November 25, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 18, 2025
• Last Verified: November 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Performance; upper extremity performance; Scapula; Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Investigative Techniques; Therapeutics; Behavior Control; Immobilization; Restraint, Physical
• Other Study ID Numbers: 25-120

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No