The Edmonton Scoliosis Interdisciplinary Research Group

University of Alberta Hospital is a research hospital that collaborates with researchers to answer important questions about scoliosis. There are multiple studies that are on the way, which results will help understand better: 

• The causes of scoliosis
• Who is at risk of getting scoliosis and needing further treatments
• Different treatment outcomes, and also will help
• Develop novel tools to improve treatment and patient safety

Here is a list of current research projects:

Body Structure and Capacity Evaluation of Adults with Scoliosis compared to Healthy Controls

The purpose of this study is to compare samples of participants with adult degenerative scoliosis or adult idiopathic scoliosis to matched healthy controls. Participants will complete questionnaires and a physical exam to identify which limitations they present that may be amenable to treatment with physical therapy.

Eligible participants are adults aged 18 and over with adult idiopathic scoliosis or 50 and over with degenerative scoliosis with scoliosis curves greater than 10º. Healthy adult participants are also needed.

The Adult Degenerative Scoliosis Exercise Trial (ADSET)

The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to demonstrate the feasibility and effect of a three-month program of Schroth Scoliosis-specific exercises consisting of five one-on-one sessions and nine group sessions, held in-person or virtually compared to standard care.

Eligible participants are adults aged 50 and over with adult degenerative scoliosis with pain and scoliosis curves between 15º to 45º.

The Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis Exercise Trial (AISET)

The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to demonstrate the feasibility and effect of a three-month program of Schroth Scoliosis-specific exercises consisting of five one-on-one sessions and nine group sessions, held in-person or virtually compared to standard care.

Eligible participants are adults aged 18 to 55 with adult idiopathic scoliosis with scoliosis curves between 10º to 50º.

Determining the Immediate Effect of Postural Advice using 3D Non-invasive Ultrasound Imaging

The purpose of this study is to determine which postural recommendations can lead to spine alignment correction. This study consists of one session of one and a half hours in which researchers will use safe and non-invasive 3D ultrasound imaging to assess spinal orientation in different postures.

Eligible participants are females with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis between 10 and 19 years of age with single scoliosis curves between 10º and 45º.