Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis with conservative methods based on exercises: a systematic review and meta-analysis
2024

Exercise Treatments for Idiopathic Scoliosis

Sample size: 796 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dimitrijević Vanja, Rašković Bojan, Popović Miroslav, Viduka Dejan, Nikolić Siniša, Drid Patrik, Obradović Borislav

Primary Institution: Faculty of Sports and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia

Hypothesis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the effect size of conservative methods based on exercise for respondents with idiopathic scoliosis.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicates the positive effects of applying conservative methods based on therapeutic exercises on patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

Supporting Evidence

  • The effect size for the Cobb angle outcome was moderate.
  • Exercise-based treatments can effectively reduce the angle of trunk rotation.
  • The quality of life outcome had a large effect size.
  • Conservative exercise-based treatments positively influence respiratory function.
  • Statistical significance was found for multiple outcomes including Cobb angle and quality of life.

Takeaway

This study shows that exercises can help kids with a curved spine feel better and improve their condition.

Methodology

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines, analyzing data from 23 studies on conservative exercise methods for idiopathic scoliosis.

Potential Biases

Of the 23 studies, 3 were non-randomized, while 20 were randomized, with some showing high risk in allocation concealment.

Limitations

The study included non-adolescent subjects and had heterogeneity in treatment protocols and durations.

Participant Demographics

The majority of respondents were adolescents, with some studies including participants older than 18 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Confidence Interval

95% CI = −0.65 to −0.34

Statistical Significance

p<0.0001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fspor.2024.1492241

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