The following study: “Could the clinical effectiveness be improved under the integration of orthotic intervention and scoliosis specific exercise in managing adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? -A randomized controlled trial study” aims to compare the effectiveness of the integration of orthotic intervention (OI) and scoliosis specific exercise (SSE) with orthotic intervention only. It does this by assessing-

The Effect of Schroth Therapy on Thoracic Kyphotic Curve and Quality of Life in Scheuermann’s Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial Read full article This high quality randomised controlled single-blinded clinical trial involving 50 adolescents (aged 10 – 17 yrs) with Scheuermanns disease evaluated the efficacy of Schroth therapy on thoracic curve angle, pain and self

Here is a recent article regarding a practical clinical trial to ascertain if specific exercises reduce the need for bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The researchers found that physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) have been found effective in avoiding bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The study was based on a group of one

This clinical review evaluates the current treatment methodologies of Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).The authors aim to critically evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies from prevention to treatment in current practice. The article talks about Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE) and recent evidence from randomised controlled trials supporting efficacy in AIS management using spinal curve specific

Award winning study finds doing Schroth exercise during bracing for AIS was superior to bracing alone in improving Cobb angles, trunk rotation and quality of life scores. In the +Schroth group Cobbs improved in 17% of patients whilst improved in only 4% of the bracing only group. In the +Schroth group 21% had worsening Cobbs

If you are still growing and have scoliosis, PLEASE consider taking a Vitamin D supplement. This high quality study randomised 330 adolescent girls with AIS into 3 groups. Group 1 was placebo, Group 2 took 600 mg of Calcium plus 400 IU of Vitamin D/day, Group 3 took the same amount of Calcium but a

We all have a small amount of natural sway when standing upright. It has been found that adolescents with developing scoliosis have a greater amount of sway, especially in the front to back direction. Identifying these postural stability deficits early and providing interventions to actively resolve them may be key in preventing progression. If your

Recently Rebecca Harding presented at the Spine Society of Australia’s national conference, whose membership consists nearly entirely of spinal surgeons. The aim was to increase surgeons awareness of the evidence for Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE ie Schroth) in the conservative management of AIS. What prompted the presentation was the publication in the last 2 years

For Clients considering surgery, this is an interesting article that looked at the actual timing of returning to school and sports after scoliosis surgery, compared to the recommended timing. It also found that post-operative weight loss of >5kg and mild respiratory complications were significantly associated with delayed return to full-time school. Commentary provided by a

Finally a research paper looking at a group of ADULTS with Idiopathic Scoliosis and the effect of Scoliosis Specific Exercises on curve progression and Cobb angle! They conclude that Scoliosis Specific Exercises proved superior to natural history in Adult IS and should be considered as a first line of treatment in patients refusing scoliosis surgery.