Impact of scoliosis-specific exercises in moderate to severe thoracolumbar curves in three postmenopausal women.

Abstract

[Purpose] The study investigates whether performing scoliosis-specific exercises is related to curve stabilization in postmenopausal women with a thoracolumbar curve. [Case Description] We describe the outcome of three postmenopausal women with thoracolumbar scoliosis performing scoliosis-specific exercises for around ten years. Case 1 had a normal bone mineral density and thoracolumbar scoliosis over 64° and consistently performed the exercises at home for half an hour daily. Cases 2 and 3 had osteopenia and thoracolumbar curves of 64° and 45°, respectively. They did the exercises sparingly over eight years, particularly during the three years of COVID-19, when they stopped doing the exercises. [Outcome] The outcomes of the three cases differ. Case 1 had the best result, with the thoracolumbar curve stabilized and no pain. Cases 2 and 3 had curve progression and had mild pain, requiring occasional pain medication. [Discussion] Our findings suggest a potential relationship between regular scoliosis-specific exercises, good bone mineral density, and scoliosis stabilization. More research is needed to further our understanding of the interplay between exercise, bone health, and scoliosis progression.