Efficacy of specific SEAS exercises for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: end-growth results of a controlled prospective study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is the evaluation of end-growth results in three groups of adolescent patients with mild scoliosis treated only with exercises. Background: Systematic reviews on conservative treatment based on physical exercise to contrast scoliosis progression have proved efficacy of this approach. It's still unclear which kinds of exercises are more effective; indeed we already showed the higher short term efficacy of SEAS.02 approach. Methods Study design: Prospective controlled study Population 38 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients (6 male; 32 female, 13.5+/-3,5 age range, Risser 0-3 C°>10, B°>5) whom were prescribed only exercises to avoid progression at first evaluation: all patients were enrolled consecutively. Patient were divided into three groups: SEAS group treated with specific SEAS exercise, CONTROL group patients with no treatment and OTHER treated with different protocol. Outcome criteria Percentage (%) of patients who needed bracing; % patients improved, stable or worsened according to SRS criteria (change >5° Cobb and >3° Bunnell); worst curve mean PRE/POST treatment Cobb degrees (C°); worst curve mean PRE/POST treatment ATR (Bunnell degrees -B°). Statistics ANOVA and chi-square are performed Results: BRACED % IMPROVED PATIENTS B°/C°