Clinical trials

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity, and a subset of patients undergo surgical correction during adolescence, most commonly posterior spinal fusion (PSF). Although surgical treatment improves deformity and quality of life in the short and mid-term, its long-term impact on functional status in adulthood remains insufficiently understood. This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate long-term outcomes in adults aged 25-40 years who underwent surgical treatment for AIS, compared with non-operated individuals with scoliosis and healthy controls. The study will assess limitations in daily functioning, musculoskeletal and respiratory function, pain, and compensatory mechanisms using standardized clinical measurements and questionnaires. The findings are expected to provide insight into long-term functional consequences of AIS and support the development of targeted physiotherapy and preventive strategies for adults treated for scoliosis during adolescence.

Inflammatory myopathies are rare autoimmune diseases leading to progressive muscle weakness, often including the respiratory muscles. This study aims to investigate whether inspiratory muscle training (IMT) using a threshold device can improve functional status in patients with inflammatory myopathy. Thirty-three patients will undergo a 3-month home-based IMT program with progressive resistance. Functional capacity, inspiratory muscle strength, lung function, diaphragmatic mobility, fatigue, and quality of life will be assessed at baseline and during follow-up. The primary hypothesis is that IMT will enhance inspiratory muscle strength and translate into better functional performance and quality of life.

The study investigates the effectiveness of physical strategies in addressing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) in physically active individuals. DOMS, a common phenomenon following intense or novel physical activity, is characterized by pain, inflammation, and functional impairments such as reduced range of motion, muscle strength, and endurance. These symptoms peak between 24-72 hours post-exercise and are attributed to micro-damage in muscle and connective tissue, followed by inflammatory responses. Despite extensive research, the efficacy of various therapeutic interventions remains inconclusive due to heterogeneity in study designs, outcome measures, and quality of evidence. The primary objective of this study is to systematically assess and compare the effectiveness of cold water immersion (CWI) or hot water immersion (HWI), in mitigating DOMS symptoms. This study will utilize a multi-arm, parallel, randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to evaluate therapeutic outcomes against a control group receiving simulated therapy. By employing a standardized exercise protocol to induce DOMS and unified assessment methodologies (e.g., biomechanical, biochemical, and functional tests), the study aims to provide robust evidence for the efficacy of these interventions. The findings will contribute to optimizing post-exercise recovery strategies, offering reliable therapeutic protocols for both clinical and athletic settings.