Effect of Short-Term 3-Dimensional Schroth Exercises In Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: An Observational Study

The purpose of this study was to examine how a short-term Schroth exercise camp affects pain intensity, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), postural recovery, trunk muscle endurance, flexibility, dynamic balance, body image, perception of cosmetic deformity, and health-related quality of life in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

A single-group pretest-posttest design was conducted. Forty-five individuals between the ages of 10 and 18 years who were diagnosed with AIS were included in the study. ATR with scoliometer, postural symmetry changes with Anterior Trunk Symmetry Index and Posterior Trunk Symmetry Index, trunk muscle endurance with straight plank and side plank durations, dynamic balance with Y Balance Test, cosmetic deformity perceptions with the Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale, and health-related quality of life with the Scoliosis Research Society 22-item questionnaire. The participants engaged in a short-term Schroth exercise camp involving 4.5 hours of corrective exercises per day for 7 days. Above mentioned assessments were done on the first and last day of the exercise camp.

After the Schroth exercise camp, participants showed decreased ATR, improved postural symmetry ratio, and greater trunk muscle endurance and dynamic balance scores. There were also improvements in cosmetic deformity perception and health-related quality of life (P < .05).

This preliminary study suggests that a short-term Schroth exercise camp could have a beneficial effect for adolescents with AIS. Although the results of this study should be considered preliminary, the initial findings seem to be promising and repeatable.