Effect of core-based exercise in people with scoliosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Effect of therapeutic exercises on the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a protocol of a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) affects an estimated 200 million adolescents globally and curvatures exceeding 30° at skeletal maturity are associated with increased health risks in adulthood. The International Society for the Orthopedic and Rehabilitative Treatment of Scoliosis recommends specific therapeutic exercises to prevent the progression of AIS. However, studies have questioned the effects of specific and general therapeutic exercises on the progression of AIS. This systematic review will evaluate the effectiveness of general and specific therapeutic exercises in preventing Cobb angle progression compared with other conservative interventions.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will search MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, CENTRAL, PEDro and CINAHL from inception to 14 December 2023. Randomised clinical trials involving individuals aged 10 to 18 years with a Cobb angle above 10° will be considered. The effectiveness of therapeutic exercises will be compared with minimal intervention, other exercises and brace use, alone or in combination with exercise. The primary outcome is the Cobb angle measurement, with subgroup analyses assessing severity based on SOSORT classifications. The risk of bias will be assessed using the PEDro scale and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess certainty of evidence. The Review Manager 5.4 software will be used for meta-analysis. The protocol follows the Cochrane Handbook for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This is a literature-based study and ethical approval is not required. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020156639.

Effects of spinal mobilisation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A randomised controlled trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of spinal mobilisation on curvature magnitude, angle of trunk rotation (ATR) and pulmonary function in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

METHODS

Conducted as a double-blind randomised controlled trial, the study included 40 patients with AIS (Cobb angles 10°-25°) randomised to experimental (n = 20; female = 12, male = 8; age = 12.9 ± 1.8 mean ± SD) and control (n = 20; female = 13, male = 7; age = 12.85 ± 1.81 mean ± SD) groups. The experimental group received spinal mobilisation for 30 min per session followed by 60 min of core stabilisation exercises (CSE), twice a week for 10 weeks. The control group received CSE only at the same frequency and duration. Evaluation of Cobb angle, ATR and pulmonary function tests (PEF: Peak Expiratory Flow, FEV1: Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s, FVC: Forced Vital Capacity, and FEV1/FVC: Tiffeneau index) were performed at baseline and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significant improvements in Cobb angle, ATR, PEF and FVC, with the experimental group showing significantly greater improvements in Cobb angle (-7.65 ± 3.17) and ATR (-2.5 ± 1.43) compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, while the control group showed no change in FEV1, the experimental group showed improvement. There was no change in FEV1/FVC ratio in either group.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that adding spinal mobilisation to treatment sessions can effectively reduce the magnitude of curvature and improve scoliosis-related problems in the short term.

Effects of High-Velocity Spinal Manipulation on Quality of Life, Pain and Spinal Curvature in Children with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Scoliosis is a condition that involves deformation of the spine in the coronal plane and commonly appears in childhood or adolescence, significantly limiting a person's life. The cause is multifactorial, and treatment aims to improve the spinal curvature, prevent major pathologies, and enhance aesthetics. The objective of this review was to determine whether high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation is more effective than other treatments for children with idiopathic scoliosis (IS).

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and PEDro databases were searched for both clinical trials and cohort studies. Methodological quality was assessed via the PEDro scale (for clinical trials) and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (for observational studies). The protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024532442).

RESULTS

Five studies were selected for review. The results indicated moderate improvements in pain and the Cobb angle and limited improvements in quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

HVLA spinal manipulation does not seem to have significant effects on reducing spinal deformity in IS patients, nor does it significantly impact quality of life. However, this therapy may have significant effects on reducing pain in these patients.

Schroth and Asymmetric Spinal Stabilization Exercises' Effectiveness on Back Pain and Trunk Muscle Endurance in Adolescents' Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Millions of people worldwide suffer from back pain and muscle weakness due to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). It has been found that Schroth exercises (SE) are the most effective treatment for AIS. However, it is still not clear how combining SE with asymmetric spinal stabilization exercises (ASSE) can impact back pain and trunk extensor muscle endurance (TE). This study aims to compare the effects of SE with and without ASSE on back pain and TE in AIS.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 40 boys aged 10 to 18 years who had AIS. They were divided into three groups: SE+ASSE (n = 15), SE only (n = 15), and a waitlist control (n = 10). The participants underwent exercise training for 50-70 minutes three times a week for up to 12 weeks. The study evaluated two variables, namely, back pain (measured with a Visual Analog Scale or VAS) and TE (measured with the Biering-Sorensen test), before and after the interventions. For statistical analysis, a post-hoc Bonferroni test following analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used at α = 0.05.

Results

According to a study, patients who underwent a combination of SE and ASSE experienced a significant reduction in back pain (VAS score = 2.9±0.8 to 0.1±0.4) as compared to those who only underwent SE (VAS = 2.7±0.9 to 1.5±1.2) and the control group. No significant difference was found between the SE group and the control group in terms of back pain reduction. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in TE among the three groups. However, the combined exercises showed a numerical improvement (75.6±52.5 sec to 119.2±62.6 sec) compared to the other groups (P = 0.311).

Conclusion

The combination of SE and ASSE is more effective in reducing back pain in AIS than SE alone or control. Although there was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of improving the TE, the SE and ASSE groups showed better results numerically.

Biomechanical analysis of adjacent segments after correction surgery for adult idiopathic scoliosis: a finite element analysis

The biomechanical aspects of adjacent segment degeneration after Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis (AdIS) corrective surgery involving postoperative changes in motion and stress of adjacent segments have yet to be investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical effects of corrective surgery on adjacent segments in adult idiopathic scoliosis by finite element analysis. Based on computed tomography data of the consecutive spine from T1-S1 of a 28-year-old male patient with adult idiopathic scoliosis, a three-dimensional finite element model was established to simulate the biomechanics. Two posterior long-segment fixation and fusion operations were designed: Strategy A, pedicle screws implanted in all segments of both sides, and Strategy B, alternate screws instrumentation on both sides. The range of motion (ROM), Maximum von Mises stress value of intervertebral disc (IVD), and Maximum von Mises stress of the facet joint (FJ) at the fixation adjacent segment were calculated and compared with data of the preoperative AdIS model. Corrective surgery decreased the IVD on the adjacent segments, increased the FJ on the adjacent segments, and decreased the ROM of the adjacent segments. A greater decrease of Maximum von Mises stress was observed on the distal adjacent segment compared with the proximal adjacent segment. The decrease of Maximum von Mises stress and increment of Maximum von Mises stress on adjacent FJ in strategy B was greater than that in strategy A. Under the six operation modes, the change of the Maximum von Mises stress on the adjacent IVD and FJ was significant. The decrease in ROM in the proximal adjacent segment was greater than that of the distal adjacent segment, and the decrease of ROM in strategy A was greater than that in strategy B. This study clarified the biomechanical characteristics of adjacent segments after AdIS corrective surgery, and further biomechanical analysis of two different posterior pedicle screw placement schemes by finite element method. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of adjacent segment degeneration after corrective surgery for AdIS.

Self-management in patients with adult spinal deformity: a best practice implementation project

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of adult spinal deformity (ASD) has increased in recent years. Patients often have to live for a prolonged period from the onset of the condition, up until the need for surgical treatment. Self-management plays a crucial role in disease progression and prognosis.

OBJECTIVES

This project aimed to promote evidence-based practices for the self-management of patients with ASD.

METHODS

This project was guided by the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework project and was conducted in the orthopedic department of a tertiary care hospital in China. A baseline audit was conducted to evaluate current practice against best practice recommendations. Barriers were identified and, after the implementation of improvement strategies, a follow-up audit was conducted to assess project effectiveness.

RESULTS

A comparison between the baseline and follow-up audits revealed a significant increase in nurses' compliance with best practices (rising from 0%-64% to 97.7%-100%) in the following areas: improved health promotion behaviors by nurses in self-management of ASD patients; acquisition and application of communication skills with patients; increased availability of educational materials in the ward; and establishment of conservative treatment follow-up instructions for patients. For patients, the Visual Analog Scale of pain decreased from (2.72 ± 1.67) to (1.90 ± 1.14), the Oswestry Disability Index decreased from (49.96 ± 16.49) to (39.83 ± 18.97), self-management behaviors improved from (10.84 ± 4.31) to (19.52 ± 6.31), and maximum isometric muscle strength in the standing position increased from (179.48 ± 91.18)N to (250.03 ± 91.50)N, all with statistically significant improvements ( p <0.05). For nurses, the knowledge questionnaire score improved from (34.83 ± 24.16) to (82.00 ± 11.11) ( p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This project helped ASD patients improve self-management, alleviated their clinical symptoms, and improved nurses' knowledge of best practices. Future audits will be conducted to review long-term project outcomes.

SPANISH ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A193.

Therapeutic exercises for idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents

BACKGROUND

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a pathology that changes the three-dimensional shape of the spine and trunk. While AIS can progress during growth and cause cosmetic issues, it is usually asymptomatic. However, a final spinal curvature above the critical threshold of 30° increases the risk of health problems and curve progression in adulthood. The use of therapeutic exercises (TEs) to reduce the progression of AIS and delay or avoid other, more invasive treatments is still controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of TE, including generic therapeutic exercises (GTE) and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) in treating AIS, compared to no treatment, other non-surgical treatments, or between treatments.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, four other databases, and two clinical trials registers to 17 November 2022. We also screened reference lists of articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TE with no treatment, other non-surgical treatments (braces, electrical stimulation, manual therapy), and different types of exercises. In the previous version of the review, we also included observational studies. We did not include observational studies in this update since we found sufficient RCTs to address our study aims.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methodology. Our major outcomes were progression of scoliosis (measured by Cobb angle, trunk rotation, progression, bracing, surgery), cosmetic issues (measured by surface measurements and perception), and quality of life (QoL). Our minor outcomes were back pain, mental health, and adverse effects.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 13 RCTs (583 participants). The percentage of females ranged from 50% to 100%; mean age ranged from 12 to 15 years. Studies included participants with Cobb angles from low to severe. We judged 61% of the studies at low risk for random sequence generation and 46% at low risk for allocation concealment. None of the studies could blind participants and personnel. We judged the subjective outcomes at high risk of performance and detection bias, and the objective outcomes at high risk of detection bias in six studies and at low risk of bias in the other six studies. One study did not assess any objective outcomes. Comparing TE versus no treatment, we are very uncertain whether TE reduces the Cobb angle (mean difference (MD) -3.6°, 95% confidence interval (CI) -5.6 to -1.7; 2 studies, 52 participants). Low-certainty evidence indicates PSSE makes little or no difference in the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) (MD -0.8°, 95% CI -3.8 to 2.1; 1 study, 45 participants), may reduce the waist asymmetry slightly (MD -0.5 cm, 95% CI -0.8 to -0.3; 1 study, 45 participants), and may result in little to no difference in the score of cosmetic issues measured by the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) General (MD 0.7 points, 95% CI -0.1 to 1.4; 1 study, 16 participants). PSSE may result in little to no difference in self-image measured by the Scoliosis Research Society - 22 Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22) (MD 0.3 points, 95% CI -0.3 to 0.9; 1 study, 16 participants) and improve QoL slightly measured by SRS-22 Total score (MD 0.3 points, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.4; 2 studies, 61 participants). Only Cobb angle results were clinically meaningful. Comparing PSSE plus bracing versus bracing, low-certainty evidence indicates PSSE plus bracing may reduce Cobb angle (-2.2°, 95% CI -3.8 to -0.7; 2 studies, 84 participants). Comparing GTE plus other non-surgical interventions versus other non-surgical interventions, low-certainty evidence indicates GTE plus other non-surgical interventions may reduce Cobb angle (MD -8.0°, 95% CI -11.5 to -4.5; 1 study, 80 participants). We are uncertain whether PSSE plus other non-surgical interventions versus other non-surgical interventions reduces Cobb angle (MD -7.8°, 95% CI -12.5 to -3.1; 1 study, 18 participants) and ATR (MD -8.0°, 95% CI -12.7 to -3.3; 1 study, 18 participants). PSSE plus bracing versus bracing alone may make little to no difference in subjective measurement of cosmetic issues as measured by SAQ General (-0.2 points, 95% CI -0.9 to 0.5; 1 study, 34 participants), self-image score as measured by SRS-22 Self-Image (MD 0.1 points, 95% CI -0.3 to 0.5; 1 study, 34 participants), and QoL measured by SRS-22 Total score (MD 0.2 points, 95% CI -0.1 to 0.5; 1 study, 34 participants). None of these results were clinically meaningful. Comparing TE versus bracing, we are very uncertain whether PSSE allows progression of Cobb angle (MD 2.7°, 95% CI 0.3 to 5.0; 1 study, 60 participants), changes self-image measured by SRS-22 Self-Image (MD 0.1 points, 95% CI -1.0 to 1.1; 1 study, 60 participants), and QoL measured by SRS-22 Total score (MD 3.2 points, 95% CI 2.1 to 4.2; 1 study, 60 participants). None of these results were clinically meaningful. Comparing PSSE with GTE, we are uncertain whether PSSE makes little or no difference in Cobb angle (MD -3.0°, 95% CI -8.2 to 2.1; 4 studies, 192 participants; very low-certainty evidence). PSSE probably reduces ATR (clinically meaningful) (MD -3.0°, 95% CI -3.4 to -2.5; 2 studies, 138 participants). We are uncertain about the effect of PSSE on QoL measured by SRS-22 Total score (MD 0.26 points, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.62; 3 studies, 168 participants) and on self-image measured by SRS-22 Self-Image and Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.77, 95% CI -0.61 to 2.14; 3 studies, 168 participants). Further, low-certainty evidence indicates that 38/100 people receiving GTE may progress more than 5° Cobb versus 7/100 receiving PSSE (risk ratio (RR) 0.19, 95% CI -0.67 to 0.52; 1 study, 110 participants). None of the included studies assessed adverse effects.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence on the efficacy of TE is currently sparse due to heterogeneity, small sample size, and many different comparisons. We found only one study following participants to the end of growth showing the efficacy of PSSE over TE. This result was weakened by adding studies with short-term results and unclear preparation of treating physiotherapists. More RCTs are needed to strengthen the current evidence and study other highly clinically relevant outcomes such as QoL, psychological and cosmetic issues, and back pain.

Virtual Reality Therapy for the Management of Chronic Spinal Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) therapy in adults with chronic spinal pain (CSP) is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of VR therapy and other therapies in adults with CSP, especially patients with inflammation-related pain.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched up to November 11, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing adults with CSP receiving VR therapy with those receiving other therapies were included. The trial registration platform as well as the reference lists of included studies and previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses were manually searched. Two independent reviewers performed study selection, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and evaluation of the quality of the evidence. The weighted mean difference (WMD) was used as the effect size used to synthesize the outcome measure.

RESULTS

In total, 16 RCTs involving 800 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled data from 15 (94%) RCTs including 776 (97%) participants showed that VR therapy was superior in improving pain intensity (WMD=-1.63, 95% CI -2.11 to -1.16, P<.001, I2=90%) and reducing inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (WMD=-0.89, 95% CI -1.07 to -0.70, P<.001, I2=0%), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (WMD=-6.60, 95% CI -8.56 to -4.64, P<.001, I2=98%), and interleukin-6 (WMD=-2.76, 95% CI -2.98 to -2.53, P<.001, I2=0%). However, no significant differences were found in terms of the spinal range of motion (ROM), disability level, or fear of movement. In addition, 10 (63%) of the included RCTs had a high risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

VR therapy may be an effective and safe intervention for reducing symptoms in patients with CSP, as it is shown to exert significant analgesic effects and beneficial improvements in inflammatory factor levels. However, this approach may not have significant effects on the spinal ROM, disability level, or fear of movement. Notably, the quality of the evidence from the RCTs included in this study ranged from moderate to low. Therefore, we recommend that readers interpret the results of this study with caution.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022382331; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=382331.

Core Stabilization Exercises vs. Schroth's Three Dimensional Exercises to Treat Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most prevalent spinal abnormalities, appearing far into puberty. Schroth's exercises (SE) and core-stabilization exercises (CE) have become very prominent among the specialized and general methods to scoliosis treatment. However, their effects are still unclear and there is insufficient evidence of superiority between them. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of these methods on Cobb angles (CA) in AIS.

Methods

A systematic review was performed on SE and CE papers. The databases included PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar from January 2005 to June 2022. The physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale assessed the quality and provided internal validity and the statistical information of the papers.

Results

After screening 410 papers, nine papers (SE=5, CE=3 and SE vs. CE=1), with 339 participants, were admitted for review (PEDro=6). Among them, three (SE=moderate evidence) and two papers (CE=limited evidence) reported clinically significant reductions in CA>5°, alone or compared to control or other exercise methods, while only one paper (very limited evidence) showed the relative superiority of SE (-7.16°) compared to CE (-3.27°). However, three papers did not show clinically significant results (CA<5°).

Conclusion

Moderate and limited evidence suggests that both SE and CE can effectively improve CA, respectively. There is very limited evidence to suggest that SE is more effective than CE in treating AIS. Thus, the definitive answers to the questions, especially concerning the superiority between these two methods, remained unclear. Further high-quality studies must be conducted in the future.

Outcomes of 12 Weeks of Schroth and Asymmetric Spinal Stabilization Exercises on Cobb Angle, Angle of Trunk Rotation, and Quality of Life in Adolescent Boys with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized-controlled Trial

Objectives

The available evidence on the efficiency of well-known Schroth's exercises (SE) for correcting adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is limited, especially in combination with the asymmetric spinal stabilization exercises (ASSE) method. Therefore, we hypothesized that, first, there is no difference in the efficiency of the combined exercises (SE+ASSE) and SE alone in improving Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), and quality of life (QoL) in AIS. Second, there is no difference in the efficiency of SE and no intervention on corresponding variables in treating AIS.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) consisted of 40 patients with mild AIS (10-18-year-old boys) divided into three groups: SE (n=15), SE+ASSE (n=15), and a waitlist control group (n=10). For 12 weeks (three days a week), both experimental groups performed SE, the combined group additionally received ASSE, and the control group received no intervention. The assessment included Cobb angle (photogrammetry), ATR (Adam's test), and QoL (Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire).

Results

It was found that Cobb angle, ATR, and QoL improved significantly in the combined SE+ASSE group (Cobb=16.45° to 9.01°; ATR=4.93° to 1.33°) compared to the SE group (P<.001). In addition, the SE group showed significant amelioration in the mentioned variables (Cobb=15.09° to 9.77°; ATR=4.23° to 2.17°) compared to the control group (P<.001), whereas the control group remained almost unchanged.

Conclusion

Based on the obtained results, the combination of SE and ASSE provided more benefits than SE alone, and the SE results were efficient compared to the no-intervention group regarding the correction of scoliosis and related problems. However, patients with moderate to severe scoliosis should also be investigated in longer treatment periods in future.

Association of Trunk Muscle Strength and Scoliosis among Korean Children

The Article Abstract is not available.  

The Outcomes of an Individualized Physical Therapy Program in CALFAN Syndrome: A Case Report

PURPOSE

This case report investigated the effectiveness of an individualized physical therapy program in CALFAN syndrome.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 13-year-old girl participated in physical therapy, which included trunk stabilization, balance training, and functional exercises for 12 weeks.

ASSESSMENTS

The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale; Trunk Impairment Scale; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; Functional Independence Measure for Children; Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire; 9-Hole Peg Test; and Cobb measurement were used as outcome measures.

RESULTS

Positive changes were observed in the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale; Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; Trunk Impairment Scale; Functional Independence Measure; and the 9-Hole Peg Test. The Cobb angle was increased by 2° in the thoracic region and reduced by 11° in the lumbar region.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical therapy improved quality of life, functional independence, trunk control, and upper extremity performance.

WHAT THIS ADDS TO EVIDENCE

This case report is the first to support the effectiveness of physical therapy for a child with CALFAN syndrome.

Guidelines for the conservative treatment of spinal deformities - Questionnaire for a Delphi consensus

Background

Spinal deformity is the oldest disease known to humankind. Many types of treatment methods, including both conservative and surgical, are in use.

Objective

We aimed to validate a published guideline protocol based on the conservative treatment of spinal deformities.

Method

A modified Delphi technique was used with a questionnaire sent out to professionals worldwide regarding the conservative treatment of spinal deformities.

Results

Our study was completed after two rounds. A strong level of agreement of 80% and more (consensus cut-off point) was achieved in most questions in the first round. Some statements were below this margin, and they were sent to the participants via email in the second round for re-evaluation. Consensus was achieved in almost all of the statements in the second round. Only two items did not reach the cut-off point but were close to this value.

Conclusion

This proposed Guideline Protocol was approved by the participants using the Delphi method and can be used as a valid tool for the conservative treatment of spinal deformities.

Clinical implications

A conservative treatment guideline in spinal deformity management, will provide consistency in treatment and will facilitate comparability with surgery. It will be useful in determining the cost-effectiveness of treatment and in choosing the right patient for the right method of treatment. This guideline might help in this context, and may also create a systematic method for clinicians to use as a reference in both research and clinical practice.

Corrective exercise-based therapy for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: Systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the efficacy of Corrective exercise-based therapy in the improvement of deformity and quality of life in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CINAHL Complete and SciELO, until June 2021.

REVIEW METHODS

Randomized controlled trials was selected, including participants diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, in which the experimental group received Corrective exercise-based therapy. Two authors independently searched the scientific literature in the data sources, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. A pairwise meta-analysis using the random-effects model was performed.

RESULTS

Eight randomized controlled trials providing data from 279 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients were included. Seven randomized controlled trials including 236 patients showed moderate-quality evidence for a medium effect (SMD = -0.52, 95% CI -0.96 to -0.1), favoring corrective exercise-based therapy for spinal deformity reduction. Corrective exercise-based therapy was better than no intervention (SMD = -0.59, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.01) but similar to other intervention (SMD = -0.2, 95% CI -0.67 to 0.27), and a medium effect was found (SMD = -0.51, 95% CI -0.89 to -0.13) when corrective exercise-based therapy was used with other therapies. Four studies including 151 patients showed low-quality evidence of a large effect of Corrective exercise-based therapy on Scoliosis Research Society measurement (SRS-22) total score improvement (SMD = 1.16, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.95).

CONCLUSION

In mild and moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients, corrective exercise-based therapy could be used to reduce spinal deformity and to improve quality of life as isolated treatment or as coadjuvant treatment combined with other therapeutic resources.

Low Body Mass Index Levels and Idiopathic Scoliosis in Korean Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of idiopathic scoliosis is rapidly increasing in Korean children, but research on the disorder is limited compared to that in other countries. Accordingly, in the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between idiopathic scoliosis and body mass index (BMI) levels in Korean children.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study enrolled elementary school students and middle school first graders in the Capital Area in Korea. The participants underwent body composition measurements and screening for idiopathic scoliosis. Idiopathic scoliosis was defined as a Cobb angle of ≥10°. The students were classified into three groups-the severely underweight (SUW: BMI < 16 kg/m2) group, the underweight group (UW: 16 ≤ BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), and the normal weight group (NW: 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2) to compare the risk of idiopathic scoliosis across BMI levels.

RESULTS

The final cohort comprised 1375 participants. The odds ratio (OR) of idiopathic scoliosis was 0.69 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50-0.94) and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.49-0.89) for the UW and the NW groups, respectively, with the SUW group as the reference. This shows that the risk decreased significantly by 31% and 34% in the UW and the NW groups, respectively. After controlling for age and sex, the corresponding ORs were 0.72 (95% CI: 0.52-0.98) and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.51-0.96), and the risk significantly decreased by 28% and 30% in the UW and the NW groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Low body weight is closely associated with spinal deformity and idiopathic scoliosis.