Stabilization Effective for Scoliosis
Patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and spinal pain were randomly allocated to one of two groups. The first group of teens received weekly PT treatments for 8 weeks consisting of progressive stabilization exercises (supervised PT group).
The second group of teens received only a single session of PT with education on performing independent home stabilization exercises (home exercise group).
After 8 weeks, when compared to the home exercise group, the supervised PT group showed significantly greater improvements in pain and functional scores.
After 6 months, both groups improved in all outcome measures however the teens in the supervised PT group had significantly reduced pain scores but no differences in their functional scores.
Clinical Relevance: Patients diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and spinal pain may benefit from a course of PT focusing on trunk strengthening exercises and independent home exercises.
References: Zapata K et al Spinal Stabilization Exercise Effectiveness for Low Back Pain in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Trial. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2015 Winter;27(4):396-402.
Zapata K et al Six-Month Follow-up of Supervised Spinal Stabilization Exercises for Low Back Pain in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2017 Jan;29(1):62-66.
AIS
