Efficacy of Three-dimensionally Integrated Exercise for Scoliosis in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Efficacy of Three-dimensionally Integrated Exercise for Scoliosis in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Efficacy of Three-dimensionally Integrated Exercise for Scoliosis in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most prevalent spinal deformity that may progress sharply during growth. It is recommended that the physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises should be the first step to treat idiopathic scoliosis to prevent/limit progression of the deformity. Three-dimensionally integrated exercise for scoliosis is based the theory of physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises, and consists of patient education, 3-dimension self-correction, stabilization of the corrected posture and training activity of daily living, combined with neuro-motor control, proprioceptive training, balance training, etc., forming the individual exercise approach for each patient. Nevertheless, the evidence concerning three-dimensionally integrated exercise for scoliosis is inadequate. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the effect of three-dimensionally integrated exercise intervention on the change of Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation(ATR), sagittal profile, and quality of life, compared to standard care for patients with mild AIS. Informed consent will be obtained from each patient and one of their parents prior to inclusion. Eligible subjects will be randomized by a 1:1 allocation ratio by computer either to the experimental group, in which they will perform three-dimensionally integrated exercise for scoliosis, or the control group, in which they will receive the standard of care with observation according to the Scoliosis Research Society criteria.Blinded assessments at baseline and immediately post 6-month intervention will include radiographic measurement, trunk rotation, sagittal profile and health related quality-of-life.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most prevalent spinal deformity that may progress sharply during growth. According to the severity of the curve, the major treatment approaches for patient with AIS include exercises, bracing and surgery, to correct, prevent or stop the progression of the deformity.In North America, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) has been published the standard of care for AIS: patients with curves between 10 and 25° should be observation who are still growing. While in the Europe, the International Scientific Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) has recommended that the physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises should be the first step to treat idiopathic scoliosis to prevent/limit progression of the deformity. Three-dimensionally integrated exercise for scoliosis is based the theory of physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises, and consists of patient education, 3-dimension self-correction, stabilization of the corrected posture and training activity of daily living, combined with neuro-motor control, proprioceptive training, balance training, etc., forming the individual exercise approach for each patient. Nevertheless, the evidence concerning three-dimensionally integrated exercise for scoliosis is inadequate. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the effect of three-dimensionally integrated exercise intervention on the change of Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation(ATR), sagittal profile, and quality of life, compared to standard care for patients with mild AIS. The present study is a single-center prospective randomised controlled trial conducted at the department of rehabilitation medicine, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. The demographic data (height, weight), menarche status for the girls, family history, will be recorded by the physician. Informed consent will be obtained from each patient and one of their parents prior to inclusion. Eligible subjects will be randomized by a 1:1 allocation ratio by computer either to the experimental group, in which they will perform three-dimensionally integrated exercise for scoliosis, or the control group, in which they will receive the standard of care with observation according to the Scoliosis Research Society criteria. Blinded assessments at baseline and immediately post 6-month intervention will include radiographic measurement, trunk rotation, sagittal profile and health related quality-of-life.

Experimental group will perform three-dimensionally integrated exercise for scoliosis for a 60-min period for 1-2 times a week under the guidance of physical therapist in an outpatient clinic, and a 20-min period per day under the supervision of the parents at home.The treatment regimens lasted for 6 months.

Control group will receive the standard of care according to the Scoliosis Research Society criteria: observation for patients with curves between 10°- 25°.

Experimental group will receive a modified physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises --the three-dimensionally integrated exercise for scoliosis program, which include auto-correction in 3D, postural correction, breathing training, resistance training, muscle fascia releasing, functional activities, balance training, core stability training, proprioceptive input exercises and patient education. Auto-correction exercise in 3D will combine with specific breathing mode, isometric training to correct abnormal spinal physiological curvatures in sagittal plane, and accompany with wedge pad to modify humpback, waist asymmetry, pelvic rotation in horizontal. While in coronal plane, longitudinal axial stretching, pelvic adjustments will be conducted to reduce the lateral curvature.

It is recommended that curve magnitude of scoliosis is measured using the Cobb method. The Cobb angle will be measured on the standing frontal radiograph according to the Cobb method by the physician specializing in the treatment of scoliosis.

The angle of trunk rotation will be measured with a Scoliometer. Patients will be asked to bend forward, and the physician will measure the angle of trunk rotation using the Scoliometer.

The Sagittal index (SI) is the sum of plumbline distances from C7 and L3. When SI<60mm,it is considered to be flat black; 60-90mm is in the normal range; >90 mm is considered to kyphosis.

SRS-22 questionnaire is designed for patients with scoliosis specially , which consists of 22 items with 5 dimensions: function/activity, pain, self-Image, mental health, and satisfaction with treatment.

Inclusion Criteria: A diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; Age from 10 to 16 years; A Cobb angle of 10 to 20 degree; A Risser sign of 0-3; No other treatment which might affect scoliosis. Exclusion Criteria: Non-idiopathic scoliosis, which caused by neuromuscular disorder, vertebral malformation, trauma, tumor, or other diseases; Accompanying mental problems, neurological-muscular or rheumatic diseases; Previous operation history of spine or lower extremities; Previous exercises or brace treatment history; Having contraindications to exercise.

Liang J, Zhou X, Chen N, Li X, Yu H, Yang Y, Song Y, Du Q. Efficacy of three-dimensionally integrated exercise for scoliosis in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2018 Sep 10;19(1):485. doi: 10.1186/s13063-018-2834-x.