EFFECTS OF SCHROTH EXERCISE ON COBB’S ANGLE, VITAL CAPACITY AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF DAILY ACTIVITIES ON PATIENTS WITH ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Schroth exercise on Cobb's angle, vital capacity as well as the improvement of daily activities on patients with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis. Forty patients with idiopathic scoliosis with a Cobb thoracic vertebral angle of 15-30 degrees or higher and the Risser sign stage 3 or higher. The Schroth exercise was applied 3 times a week for 12 weeks. We measured the chest trunk inclination, Cobb angle and vital capacity before and after exercise program. A comprehensive search for all published review articles for spinal deformity was undertaken on PubMed, PEDRO, Google Scholar, Physiopedia up to December 2018. All full-text articles reporting evaluation, validation, surgical, orthotic, and/or physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises (PSSE) treatment outcomes of these spinal deformities were retrieved and analyzed by us and methodology for functional assessment of patients with AIS was developed. Forty patients with idiopathic scoliosis with a Cobb thoracic vertebral angle of 15-30 degrees or higher and the Risser sign stage 3 or higher. The Schroth exercise was applied 3 times a week for 12 weeks. We measured the chest trunk inclination, Cobb angle and vital capacity before and after exercise program. For a period of 12 weeks we accessed adolescents with AIS. All adolescents make Schroth PSSE. The analysis of the results confirms the positive effect of the PSSE to improve muscle endurance, balance and correction of the scoliosis. Within a month from the beginning, patients reported no back pain and within 2 months – a respiratory improvement, an enlargement of the chest, a reduced Cobb angle, an increased vital capacity. PSSE seem to have positive effects by reducing the symptoms and improving functions and body asymmetries. Schroth method is effective of preventing the scoliosis’ progression. The conservative method of treating scoliosis was found to be effective even at a Cobb angle of 35 degrees or higher. In the future, universal methods of approaching exercises and preventive training for the treatment of scoliosis needs to be further developed.