Effects of a Home-Based Exercise Intervention (E-Fit) on Bone Density, Muscle Function, and Quality of Life in Girls...

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients have lower physical activity levels than normal adolescents, and there is an association with poorer bone and muscle health. This study evaluated the effects of a home-based exercise intervention (E-Fit) on bone mineral density (BMD), muscle function, and quality of life (QoL) in AIS-affected girls.

A total of 40 AIS females aged 11 to 14 years were randomly assigned to the E-Fit or control group. The E-Fit group performed modified 7-min high-intensity interval training (HIIT) 5 days per week for 6 months. Outcome measures including BMD using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), muscle strength and endurance tests, physical activity levels, and QoL using self-reported questionnaires were assessed at baseline and at 6-month and 12-month follow-up.

In total, 14 patients in the E-Fit and 16 in the control group completed the study. The E-Fit group showed a marginally significant interaction effect in the whole body areal BMD at the 6- (p = 0.096) and 12-month follow-ups (p = 0.085). The left arm lean mass in the E-Fit group showed a statistically significant interaction effect between the 6- and 12-month follow-ups (p = 0.046). The E-Fit group showed improvements in physical activity participation, as measured by the Modified Baecke Questionnaire (MBQ), with a significant interaction effect in work index (p = 0.043), sport index (p = 0.050), and total score (p = 0.016) from baseline to the 12-month follow-up. Improvement on self-image were noted in E-Fit group across time.

The present results provided some evidence to support the positive benefits of E-Fit for bone health and muscle function in AIS girls.