Isotretinoin (13-cis retinoic acid) is a retinoic acid that is a derivative of vitamin A. Isotretinoin has been used effectively alone in acne treatment for 35 years. However, it has many side effects. Among the musculoskeletal side effects of this treatment, acute sacroileitis is a common condition. In this clinical picture, recovery may last for a few months after discontinuation of isotretinoin treatment. However, it may become permanent in some cases. According to our current knowledge, there is no study in the literature that prescribes exercise therapy for this patient group. This study, planned to investigate the effects of stretching and sacroiliac mobilization exercises on musculoskeletal pain and quality of life, which are among the side effects of isotretinoin treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 35 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* The participant is between the ages of 18-35,
* Not having a regular exercise habit,
* Starting Isotretinoin treatment for the first time.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of any diagnosed rheumatologic disease,
* The presence of any diagnosed neurological disease,
* Having any diagnosed psychiatric illness,
* Having a physical disability that prevents them from exercising for any reason.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial is specifically for people using isotretinoin — given my current treatment plan, does it make sense for me to look into a study focused on exercise therapy alongside isotretinoin, and would my situation fit what they're studying?
2The trial is measuring something called pressure algometer testing, which assesses pain sensitivity — does this suggest that one of the concerns with isotretinoin use is musculoskeletal pain or changes in how I feel pain, and is that something I should already be watching for?
3The study is also using the Short Form 36, which measures general quality of life — does this mean researchers aren't yet sure how isotretinoin affects overall wellbeing, and is my quality of life something we should be actively tracking regardless of whether I join this trial?
4Since this trial is listed as Phase NA, which often applies to non-drug interventions like exercise programs, what does that mean for how much we already know about whether exercise therapy is safe and helpful for people on isotretinoin?
5If exercise therapy does turn out to help manage side effects of isotretinoin, are there any exercise recommendations you'd suggest I follow right now based on current evidence, while I decide whether participating in this trial is right for me?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Pressure Algometer Testing
Timeframe: Baseline / first month / third month / sixth month
2
Short Form 36
Timeframe: Baseline / first month / third month / sixth month