**A Pilot Study on the Effect of Outpatient Schroth Exercises on Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Curves in Adult Scoliosis Patients Exercises on Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Curves in Adult Scoliosis Patients**

**A Pilot Study on the Effect of Outpatient Schroth** 

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.68183

Shu-Yan Ng, Wing-Yan Chan, Tsz-Ki Ho and Yin-Ling Ng Yin-Ling Ng Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

Shu-Yan Ng, Wing-Yan Chan, Tsz-Ki Ho and

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.68183

#### **Abstract**

**Study design:** This is a pilot prospective cohort study.

**Objectives:** To investigate if outpatient Schroth exercises (SBP) affect thoracolumbar or lumbar curves in adult scoliosis patients.

**Background:** Adult scoliosis tends to progress and is associated with an increased prevalence of low back pain. The outcome of conservative treatment is not satisfactory, as treatment is not directed towards spinal deformity. This study investigates if SBP influences the thoracolumbar and lumbar curves in patients with adult scoliosis.

**Materials and methods:** Adult patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar curves ≥ 20<sup>o</sup> were taught SBP exercises once weekly for 4 weeks. They then performed the exercises at home three times a week, for 9 months. Baseline measurements included Cobb angles, coronal offset, sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T4-12 kyphosis, L1-S1 lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic incidence and pelvic tilt. They were compared to post-intervention measurements, using paired t tests.

**Results:** SBP exercises statistically significantly decreased the Cobb angle (p = 0.0032), improved the ATR (p = 0.012), increased the sacral slope (p = 0.03), decreased the pelvic tilt (p = 0.0032) and the SVA (p = 0.032).

**Conclusion:** The SBP exercises improved the Cobb angles and SVA in adult scoliosis patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar curves.

**Keywords:** adult scoliosis, adult idiopathic scoliosis, degenerative lumbar scoliosis, Schroth exercises, physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises, scoliosis rehabilitation
