The effectiveness of Schroth exercises in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis : a systematic review and meta-analysis
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AOSIS
Abstract
Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most common structural
spinal deformities in adolescents, becoming apparent around the time of puberty. Schroth
scoliosis-specific exercises have demonstrated promising results in reducing the progression
of AIS.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify, critically appraise and establish the best
available evidence for the effectiveness of Schroth exercises in comparison to non-surgical
management to reduce the progression of AIS.
Methodology: Seven databases were searched in April 2018. Main key search terms included
AIS, Schroth exercises, physiotherapy, exercise, electrical stimulation, yoga, Pilates, tai chi and bracing.
The quality of the trials was critically appraised according to the PEDro scale. Revman©
Review Manager Software was used to pool the quality of life (QOL) results.
Results: Four randomised control trials with an average PEDro score of 6.75/10 were included
in this study. Results indicated that Schroth exercises had a significant effect in decreasing
the Cobb angle (p < 0.05) in comparison to non-surgical management. The pooled effect on
QOL showed a significant result in favour of Schroth exercises at 12 weeks (p < 0.002) and at
24 weeks (p < 0.0004).
Conclusion: Level II evidence suggests that Schroth exercises have a significant effect on
reducing the Cobb angle and improving QOL in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.
Clinical implications: This review’s findings should be considered with caution for physiotherapy
practice because of the limited number of identified articles and their methodologic limitations.
Based on the current available and limited evidence, clinicians could combine supervised
Schroth exercises with conventional physiotherapy care (observation, exercise, bracing and
manual therapy) when treating adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.
Description
CITATION: Burger, M., et al. 2019. The effectiveness of Schroth exercises in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis : a systematic review and meta-analysis. South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 75(1):a904, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0245829.
The original publication is available at http://www.sajp.co.za
The original publication is available at http://www.sajp.co.za
Keywords
Scoliosis in teenagers -- Exercise therapy -- Effectiveness, Schroth exercises, Systematic reviews (Medical research), Meta-analysis
Citation
Burger, M., et al. 2019. The effectiveness of Schroth exercises in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis : a systematic review and meta-analysis. South African Journal of Physiotherapy, 75(1):a904, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0245829