This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of augmented reality (AR)-based exercise training in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants are randomly assigned to either a control group receiving conventional Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) or an intervention group receiving AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth exercises. The primary outcomes include body awareness, trunk appearance perception, and exercise adherence. The study aims to evaluate whether AR-assisted training provides additional benefits over conventional therapy in improving postural control, perception, and compliance in scoliosis management.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that may negatively affect posture, body image, and adherence to exercise-based rehabilitation. While Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE-Schroth) are widely accepted as a conservative treatment method, adherence and perception-related factors remain challenging.

This study is designed as a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial comparing conventional PSSE-Schroth exercises with AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth training. A total of 30 adolescents diagnosed with AIS were enrolled and randomized into two groups:

Control Group: received supervised PSSE-Schroth exercises.

Intervention Group: received supervised AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth exercises.

The intervention lasted 12 weeks, and participants were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention.

Primary outcome measures include body awareness (Awareness-Body-Chart), trunk appearance perception (Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale, Spinal Appearance Questionnaire), and exercise adherence (Exercise Adherence Rating Scale).

Secondary outcome measures include Cobb angle, vertebral rotation, pain intensity, and treatment satisfaction.

The study hypothesizes that AR-assisted PSSE-Schroth training will enhance body awareness, improve trunk appearance perception, and increase adherence compared to conventional methods. This research may provide new insights into integrating digital technologies into scoliosis rehabilitation and contribute to developing innovative, patient-centered approaches in physiotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

Adolescents clinically diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)

Cobb angle between 10° and 30°

Age range: 10-18 years

No history of spinal surgery

Ability to regularly participate in the exercise program

Signed informed consent obtained from both participants and their parents

Exclusion Criteria:

Diagnosis of neuromuscular, congenital, or secondary scoliosis

Previous history of spinal surgery

Presence of severe cardiovascular, respiratory, or musculoskeletal conditions preventing participation in exercise

Visual, auditory, or perceptual impairments that would hinder participation in augmented reality-based training

Concurrent participation in another physiotherapy or rehabilitation program during the study period

At this stage, the decision on sharing individual participant data (IPD) is undecided. As the study is supported by TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey), any data sharing must comply with the funder's policies, ethical approval requirements, and national data protection regulations. The research team is committed to transparency and is open to sharing de-identified, anonymized data upon reasonable request from qualified researchers. Such sharing will only take place after publication of the study results, and contingent upon TÜBİTAK's approval and the execution of appropriate data-sharing agreements to ensure participant confidentiality and compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Outcome assessors were blinded to group allocation to reduce assessment bias. Participants and care providers were not blinded due to the nature of the intervention.