Effects of exercise interventions on adolescents with mild to moderate scoliosis: a meta-analysis.

Study Summary

26 controlled trials, including 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 5 non-randomized controlled trials, involving adolescents with mild to moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comparing exercise-based interventions with conventional rehabilitation, bracing, observation, or alternative exercise treatments. Of these, 24 studies contributed to the quantitative synthesis. Interventions included Schroth exercises, core stabilization, scoliosis-specific exercises, and combined rehabilitation approaches. Pooled outcomes included Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), and quality of life (QoL). Exercise interventions significantly improved spinal curvature, trunk rotation, and QoL, with particularly favourable outcomes observed following Schroth-based and combined interventions. Overall, exercise therapy appeared beneficial for managing mild to moderate AIS, supporting its inclusion in conservative treatment programs.