Impact of Physical Exercise on the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review

Abstract

One of the most prevalent types of scoliosis is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Syndromic scoliosis is linked to a neuromuscular, skeletal, or connective tissue problem, neurofibromatosis, or another serious medical condition. Exercise is almost usually included in the therapy plan, especially to improve the patient's functional abilities. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive and systematic assessment of the literature to determine the efficacy of physical activity in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. We conducted a database search using the keywords adolescent, scoliosis, and exercise in the NCBI Pubmed, PedRo, and Research Gate databases. For the selection of articles to be reviewed, we apply inclusion criteria. Articles published between 2011 and 2021, randomized control trials, quasi experiments, and cohort studies examining the effect of exercise on people with AIS were also included. A systematic search was carried out in accordance with the criteria in the recommended reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist. The impact of physical activity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis was demonstrated in all 18 articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. We were able to demonstrate through a study of the literature that physical exercise in the treatment of AIS has an effect on decreasing the curvature of the spine curve, as well as a favorable influence on other characteristics such as respiratory function, strength, and posture balance in AIS. This study provides recommendations based on scientific evidence that exercises such as posture correction, core stabilization, spinal stabilization, and SCROTH exercise have a positive impact on vertebral curve progression and functional aspects of AIS patients.