The BASIS Study

We use back braces to treat scoliosis because they can stop the curve to the spine getting bigger and reduce the need for surgery. The BASIS Study is trying to find out which type of back brace is best for treating children and young people with scoliosis.

The BASIS study currently has 423 patients (*as of 08/05/2025) taking part, across 22 hospitals in the UK. Thank you to all of the patients and their families for continuing to attend their study visits and complete questionnaires – the study can’t work without all of your support! We are also now running the BASIS2 study for some of the patients who reach the end of BASIS. There are currently 16 patients taking part in BASIS2.

For further details about BASIS and BASIS2 and how to take part, please see below and on the other pages on this site.

The BASIS Study is looking at the best way to treat children and young people between the ages of 10 to 15 who have been diagnosed with scoliosis.

Scoliosis is when your backbone curves to the side.

If the curve gets too big you may need to have spinal surgery.

We avoid surgery where possible because of the risks.

Braces for scoliosis reduce the risk of the curve getting bigger and needing surgery.

They are usually worn for between one and a half, to three and a half years.

The standard treatment in the UK is to wear a back brace for 20 – 24 hours of the day.

This study is looking at whether a different type of back brace, worn only at night, is as effective.

You are invited to take part because your doctor believes EITHER treatment is suitable for you.

In the BASIS Study one group uses a full time brace, which holds the curve in place, worn for at least 20 hours each day.

The other group uses a night-time only brace, which over corrects the curve, worn for at least 8 hours overnight.

To make things fair, the two groups are chosen randomly using a computer.

Neither you, nor your doctors, can choose which treatment you have.

If you agree to take part you’ll be asked to sign an ‘assent form’ to confirm that you understand the study.

Your parent or guardian will need to sign a consent form to confirm that they are happy for you to take part.

Your doctor will then check which group you are in and explain your treatment.

You’ll be asked some questions about your back, and how you feel.

We’ll send you the same questions by email twice a year throughout the study.

You will have the same hospital visits as patients not taking part in the study.

If you agree to take part and then change your mind you can leave the trial at any time, and still have access to normal NHS treatment.

If you don’t want to take part, your treatment will continue with your doctor.

If you have any questions please speak to your doctor or one of the research team.

Participant Information Animation

The study is comparing two different types of back brace, one which is worn for at least 20 hours a day, and one which is worn only at night-time.

Information for Parents / Guardians

Information for Young People

Aim of the Study

In the UK, children and young people with scoliosis often need to wear a back brace for most of the day to treat the curve to the spine.

Other countries in the world use a different type of brace, worn only at night-time. Before night-time braces can be used routinely in the UK, we need to check they are as good as the braces we currently use.

Treatment 1

Full-time Brace: Worn for at least 20 hours each day to hold the curve in place and prevent it from getting any bigger. This is what we currently use in the UK and there is very good evidence it works.
Treatment 2

Night-time Brace: Worn for 8-12 hours, only at night. This brace tries to over-correct the spinal curve. It is not routinely used in the UK and there is some evidence it may be as effective as a full-time brace.