Significance of Schroth method in the rehabilitation of children with structural idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Introduction: Scoliosis is a multifactorial three-dimensional spinal deformation. Adolescent idiopathic structural scoliosis (AIS) is the most common spinal deformity in children. Specific physiotherapeutic exercises are recommended as the first step in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. The Schroth method is most often used and consists out of auto-correction in three dimensions, breathing exercises, education and home exercises. Aim: Examination of the efficacy of short-term controlled Schroth exercises in the treatment of adolescents with AIS. Material and methods: A prospective clinically controlled study comprised 23 adolescent patients who were previously treated with "usual" physiotherapy, but without significant success. The initial evaluation included physical examination, anthropometric measurements, scoliometry and spinal radiography. Тhe children were assigned 60 min long individual therapy sessions. All the children had 15 sessions (3 per week, during 5 weeks) in the ambulatory settings, followed by a 30-45 min long daily home exercise program. Angle of trunk rotation (ATR), trunk lateral flexion and respiratory index were analyzed before and after the study. Results: Eighteen children, 16 girls and 2 boys, mean age 13.38 ± 2.17 years, completed the study. Baseline mean Cobb angle of the largest curve was 28˚. 61.1% of the children wore a brace. After treatment, ATR was significantly reduced at Th8-12 and L1-5 level, while lateral flexion and respiratory index increased significantly. Conclusion: The Schroth method improved posture and esthetic appearance, as well as breathing and flexibility of the spine in children with AIS.