Exercise versus bracing in scoliosis

• 出 处: 中华物理医学与康复杂志
• 发表日期: 2018年40期

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type of scoliosis in China, accounting for 70- 80% of cases. This study compared the effect of orthotic management versus exercise management for patients with AIS on quality of life (QoL), spinal curvature and body symmetry.

METHODS

Subjects were diagnosed with moderate AIS (Cobb angle 20-40°), with ages ranging from 10 to 17 years. Those randomized to a bracing group wore a rigid thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) 23 hours per day. Those in the exercise group performed 10 to 15 minutes of home exercises, based on the Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS), with one additional weekly office session. The patients were followed for one year, with measures including QoL, assessed with the SRS Outcomes Questionnaire (SRS-22), and bodz image, assessed with the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS). Spinal curvature was evaluated with imaging to assess the Cobb angle.

RESULTS

Data were available at one year for 24 patients in the bracing group and 29 in the exercise group. The bracing group achieved smaller Cobb angles at both six- and 12-month evaluations. However, the exercise group obtained better QoL scores both at six and 12 months, with better subscale scores in Self-Image and Satisfaction at six months.

CONCLUSION

This randomized, controlled trial suggests that thoracolumbosacral bracing and exercise are both effective for the treatment of moderate AIS, with bracing better for improving spinal curvature, and exercise better for improving quality of life.