Survey of 567 Yoga Practitioners: 87.5% Prefer Conservative Therapy for Scoliosis, but Awareness Rate Is Only 12%

Under the Light Inc. and the Yoga Safety Association conducted a survey titled 'Awareness Survey on Spinal Curvature and Scoliosis' from June 9 to 14, 2026, targeting 567 members (yoga practitioners and instructors) of both organizations.

The results showed that 87.5% of respondents expressed a desire or willingness to consider 'conservative therapy' for scoliosis. However, only 12.0% said they were 'well aware' of such therapies, while 41.3% admitted they 'did not know' about them. This reveals a significant gap between the demand for conservative treatments and public awareness.

Additionally, 97.3% of yoga instructors responded that they would 'definitely like to participate' or 'consider participating' if educational opportunities for instructors were available, indicating an extremely high demand for learning about conservative approaches within the industry.

Awareness Survey on Spinal Curvature and Scoliosis (567 Yoga Practitioners and Instructors)

Background of the Survey

In Japan, most cases of scoliosis (a condition where the spine curves sideways) are managed through 'observation,' and conservative approaches such as exercise therapy are not sufficiently recognized or implemented.

In yoga settings, instructors frequently receive consultations from students about scoliosis or posture concerns. However, systematic educational opportunities for instructors remain limited.

Driven by this awareness, Naoto Nakamura—a yoga and preventive exercise instructor and representative of P3 Inc.—has launched a crowdfunding campaign titled 'Establishing Conservative Therapy for Spinal Curvature' (May 31 to end of June 2026).

This survey was conducted as a supporting initiative to visualize the actual state of awareness, experiences, and needs among those involved in yoga.

What is Scoliosis? A condition in which the spine curves left or right.

Key Findings from the Survey

(1) 82.0% are concerned about spinal misalignment (multiple responses allowed)

When asked about types of spinal misalignment they are concerned about (multiple answers allowed):
- Straight neck (text neck): 42.2%
- Lordosis (swayback): 39.3%
- Kyphosis (hunchback): 25.6%
- Scoliosis: 24.0%
- Other misalignments: 18.0%

Only 18.0% answered 'none' or 'don't know,' indicating that over 80% of yoga practitioners and instructors are aware of or concerned about some form of spinal misalignment.

(2) 21.2% have been diagnosed with scoliosis

Regarding whether respondents have ever been told by a doctor or medical professional that they have scoliosis:
- Yes: 21.2%
- No: 75.5%
- Don't know: 3.4%

Approximately one in five yoga practitioners and instructors has experienced being diagnosed with scoliosis.

(3) 73.5% of those diagnosed felt they 'wished they had known earlier'

Among those who had been diagnosed with scoliosis (n=136), when asked if they ever felt they 'wished they had known earlier' or 'wanted a place to consult':
- Strongly felt: 34.6%
- Felt: 39.0%
- Did not feel much: 17.6%
- Did not feel: 8.8%

A total of 73.5% expressed a sense of lacking access to consultation or information, highlighting the issue of information accessibility.

(4) Only 12.0% 'well knew' about conservative therapy; 41.3% 'did not know'

Were you aware that 'conservative therapy'—such as exercise therapy or lifestyle improvements—exists as a response to scoliosis?
- Well knew: 12.0%
- Had heard of it: 46.7%
- Did not know: 41.3%

Only slightly over 10% clearly recognized conservative therapy, with nearly 90% lacking sufficient awareness.

(5) 87.5% would 'choose or consider' conservative therapy

If you knew conservative therapy (exercise therapy) was an option, would you choose it?
- Definitely would choose: 58.0%
- Would consider: 29.5%
- Not sure: 11.6%
- Would not choose: 0.9%

A total of 87.5% expressed a positive intention to consider it as an option. Only 0.9% said they would not choose it, indicating extremely high social demand for conservative therapy.

(6) 51.3% of yoga instructors have students with scoliosis

Regarding consultation experiences among instructors (n=390):
- Very common (and troubling): 4.1%
- Sometimes occurs (and troubling): 29.7%
- Have received consultations but not troubled: 15.1%
- Never received: 51.0%

49.0% of instructors have received consultations, and among them, 33.8% reported having 'experienced difficulty in responding.' Challenges in instructional settings have become evident.

(7) 49.0% of instructors have 'received consultations,' 33.8% have 'experienced difficulty responding'

Regarding consultation experiences among instructors (n=390):
- Very common (and troubling): 4.1%
- Sometimes occurs (and troubling): 29.7%
- Have received consultations but not troubled: 15.1%
- Never received: 51.0%

49.0% of instructors have received consultations, and among them, 33.8% reported having 'experienced difficulty in responding.' Challenges in instructional settings have become evident.

(8) 97.3% of instructors want educational opportunities

When asked whether they would participate if educational opportunities for instructors were available (n=405):
- Definitely want to participate: 41.7%
- Would consider: 55.6%
- Not applicable: 2.5%
- Not interested: 0.2%

A total of 97.3% expressed a need for learning opportunities. It has become clear that interest in conservative therapy education is nearly universal among yoga instructors.

Comment from Naoto Nakamura

Conservative approaches to scoliosis, including brace therapy and exercise therapy, are being researched both domestically and internationally. Some studies report potential benefits such as slowing progression and improving quality of life for certain patients.

However, in Japan, many cases are primarily managed through observation, leading patients and their families to wonder, 'Is there nothing else we can do?'

This survey revealed that many people involved in yoga are interested in conservative approaches to scoliosis, and 97% of instructors seek educational opportunities.

To respond to these voices, the Spinal Training Research Group aims to organize domestic and international knowledge and promote evidence-based conservative care and talent development.

We kindly ask for your support.

*This project does not deny surgery or brace therapy but aims to enrich conservative care options in collaboration with appropriate medical care.

Naoto Nakamura (Representative, P3 Inc. / Physical Therapist / Yoga Instructor)

Educational Opportunity for Instructors: Fitness Scoliosis Trainer Certification Course (FST)

In response to the finding that '97.3% of instructors want educational opportunities,' the 'Fitness Scoliosis Trainer Certification Course (FST)' has already been launched.

FST is a specialized training program for yoga, Pilates, and fitness instructors, offering systematic learning of foundational knowledge, assessment methods, and practical exercise guidance related to conservative approaches for scoliosis.

▼ Fitness Scoliosis Trainer Certification Course (FST)

https://www.sokuwan-training.com/leader-training/fst/

Crowdfunding Announcement

Project Name: Establishing Conservative Therapy for Spinal Curvature