Study design: A prospective controlled cohort study.
Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the interventional effect of exercise therapy on idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and identify an optimal intervention window.
Summary of background data: Early conservative treatment is helpful for IS. In addition to bracing, current evidence suggests that exercise can play an important role.
Methods: We included 99 patients with IS who were treated at the Guangdong Xinmiao Scoliosis Center from August 2013 to September 2017. The inclusion criteria were: new IS diagnosis, Cobb angle 10° to 25°, Risser 0 to 3 grade, only treated with the Xinmiao treatment system (XTS; >3 days/week, >1 h/day), and follow-up >1 year. Patients were divided into three age groups: A, <10 years (n = 29); B, 10 to 12 years (n = 24); and C, 13 to 15 years (n = 46). The percentages of curve improvement (Cobb angle decrease ≥5°), stability (Cobb angle change × ±5°), and progression (Cobb angle increase ≥5°) were compared.
Results: The groups showed significant differences for major curve correction, Risser sign, first referral, and final follow-up of the main curve (all P < 0.05). The major curve in group A decreased significantly by 6.8° (44% correction), compared to 3.1° (18% correction) and 1.5° (9% correction) in groups B and C, respectively. In group A, 69.0% (20/29) had curve improvement, 27.6% (8/29) stabilized and 3.4% (1/29) progressed. In group B, 45.8% (11/24) improved, 50% (12/24) stabilized, and 4.2% (1/24) progressed. In group C, 26.1% (12/46) improved, 63.0% (29/46) stabilized, and 10.9% (5/46) progressed. There was also a significant difference in final Risser grade among the groups (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: For IS patients with Cobb angles between 10° and 25°, our exercise protocol can effectively control or improve curve progression. Younger patients with a lower Risser grade are most likely to respond.
Level of evidence: 2.