Beneficial effects of aerobic training in adolescent patients with moderate idiopathic scoliosis

Eur Spine J. 2011 Aug;20 Suppl 3(Suppl 3):415-9. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1902-7. Epub 2011 Jul 22.

Abstract

Aim and methods: The major aim of this study was to determine whether after 6 weeks of aerobic training adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) girls who suffer from mild scoliotic curvatures (n = 6) behaved in a similar way than healthy controls (n = 6) in different biochemical, anthropometric, and cardio respiratory parameters.

Results: The maximal power output and the power output achieved at the anaerobic threshold (AT), during the maximal exercise test, were significantly increased in both experimental groups, when compared with resting conditions. The training program caused significant changes in body composition (i.e., a decrease in body fat %) only in the scoliotic group. Regarding the cardio respiratory measurements, VO(2max) was increased by 17% in AIS group and 10% in the healthy group.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that physical activity should be encouraged in scoliotic girls with mild curvatures.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological / physiology
  • Adolescent
  • Body Composition / physiology
  • Child
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Exercise Test / methods
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology
  • Scoliosis / physiopathology*
  • Scoliosis / therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Spirometry / methods