Augmented Reality-Assisted Physiotherapy for Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Qualitative Study

A Qualitative Evaluation of the Effects of Augmented Reality-Supported Training Methods on Body Awareness and Exercise Adherence in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

This study aims to explore the effects of augmented reality (AR)-supported physiotherapy on body awareness, motivation, and exercise adherence in adolescents diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study will involve semi-structured interviews with adolescents who have completed at least four weeks of AR-based physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises. The goal is to understand participants' lived experiences with AR-enhanced rehabilitation and to inform the development of adolescent-centered, technology-integrated physiotherapy strategies in conservative scoliosis care.

This prospective qualitative study is designed to examine how adolescents with AIS experience AR supported physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises. A phenomenological design was selected to capture participants' lived experiences, perceptions of body awareness, and motivational responses to the intervention. The study will be conducted in a physiotherapy unit in Türkiye, with ethics approval obtained from the institutional review board. Eligible participants will include adolescents aged 10 to 18 years who are clinically diagnosed with AIS and have completed a minimum of four weeks of AR-based physiotherapy delivered by licensed physiotherapists. The AR intervention incorporates visual feedback, avatar-based motion monitoring, and gamified elements to support postural correction and therapeutic engagement. Data will be collected through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews using an interview guide informed by existing literature and expert consultation. Interviews will explore how participants perceive their postural awareness, exercise motivation, adherence challenges, and psychosocial adjustments within the AR-supported environment. All interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Collected data will be analyzed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis framework, supported by NVivo software. Two independent researchers will code the transcripts to ensure analytical rigor and thematic validity. The study is expected to contribute to the refinement of conservative scoliosis rehabilitation practices by integrating adolescent perspectives and addressing the biopsychosocial dimensions of care enhanced through technology.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 10 and 18 years
• Diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)
• Completed at least 4 weeks of AR-based physiotherapy
• Sufficient Turkish language proficiency to participate in interviews
• Provided written informed consent (adolescent and guardian)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of neurological or cognitive conditions interfering with communication
• Withdrew before completing the intervention program
• Declined audio recording of interviews