Effect of adding proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to conventional physiotherapy on scapular balance and shoulder proprioception in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: a randomised controlled trial protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) involves three-dimensional structural spinal changes, frequently accompanied by scapular dyskinesis (SD) and proprioceptive dysfunction. Although physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises effectively correct spinal alignment, their efficacy in addressing SD and associated sensorimotor deficits remains underexplored. This randomised controlled trial (RCT) will evaluate whether integrating upper limb proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) with conventional physical therapy yields synergistic improvements in scapular kinematics and proprioceptive function in AIS.

Methods and analysis

This single-centre RCT will be conducted at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huaz

SUBMITTER: Xu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12636895 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature