The Influence of Short-Term Scoliosis-Specific Exercise Rehabilitation on Pulmonary Function in Patients with AIS

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the short-term outcomes of treatment utilizing an outpatient scoliosis- specific back school program in thirty-six patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Background: Improved signs and symptoms of AIS have been reported in response to curve-patternspecific exercise therapy programs. Additional outcome studies are needed.

Methods/materials: Thirty-six patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), 33 females and 3 males, completed a twenty-hour multimodal exercise program (Schroth Best Practice® - SBP) for five to seven days at Scoliosis 3DC(SM). Average age was 13.89 years and average Cobb angles were 36.92° thoracic and 33.92° lumbar. The sample was comprised of patients under treatment from August 2011 to February 2015 who never had scoliosis-related surgery and who were not undergoing brace treatment. SBP program components included physio-logic® exercises, mobilizations, activities of daily living (ADLs), 3-D Made Easy®, and Schroth exercises. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), chest expansion (CE), and angle of trunk rotation (ATR) were clinical parameters used to evaluate results of this outpatient scoliosis-specific exercise program.

Results: Highly significant improvements were noted in FVC, FEV1, CE and Scoliometer(TM) readings.

Conclusions: A short-term outpatient SBP program was found to have a positive influence on FVC, FEV1, ATR, and CE. We will present long-term results in a subsequent study.