**4. Exercise progressions for restoration of musculoskeletal balance**

Exercises, termed "nonmanual techniques" in PRI, are powerful tools for proprioception and physiological transformation for patients with scoliosis of all ages. Based on the model of rightside dominance due to human asymmetry, and taking into consideration the patient's unique configuration and function revealed by the evaluation tests, exercises are carefully chosen to most appropriately meet the tri-planar needs of that patient. Some of the greatest similarities between the methodology of Schroth Barcelona and PRI are in the application of exercises. Both place emphasis on exercise position, breath, and stabilization in the corrected tri-planar position [8, 9].

Exercise progression begins in fully supported positions to isolate and recruit underused or misused muscles. Supported positions are also favored for the introduction of multimuscle integration. When the patient demonstrates competence in activating correct muscle chain activity while supported, challenge is intensified by progression to more upright activities. Repetition of challenging positions, held through multiple breathing cycles, promotes proprioceptive familiarity with new alignment and stabilization in new muscle patterns. Increased self-awareness and more precise muscle and breath control enable the patient to self-correct in activities of daily living. Achieving true alternating, reciprocal movement, as required in gait, is a final challenge.
