Effects of Exercises on Postural Balance in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review

Objective(s): To evaluate the effect of exercise interventions on balance and postural stability in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Data Sources: Embase, Scopus, Pubmed (Medline), and Web of Science.

Study Selection: Databases were searched using the terms Idiopathic Scoliosis, Physiotherapy, and balance. The articles were published in English in peer-reviewed journals from January 2012 to July 2022.

Data Extraction: Two authors independently applied the inclusion criteria to potential studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A best-evidence grading system was used to determine the strength of the evidence.

Data Synthesis: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. PEDro scale values ranged from 2 to 6 (mean, 3.6), indicating a low level of scientific rigor. In this sample, spinal stabilization exercises were most often examined (n=3), followed by Schroth’s exercise (n=2), stretching and self-elongation exercise (n=2), exercise protocol of Moe and Blount, physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise (n=1). The most frequent outcomes investigated were the center of pressure variance (n=3), postural sway (n=2), overall stability index (n=2), body alignment changes (n=1), plantar pressure (n=1), and subjective postural perception (n=1). Emerging evidence was found that spinal stabilization exercises improved postural balance while stretching and self-elongation exercises did not affect the postural balance in patients with AIS.

Conclusions: Physical therapists will be able to apply physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise and spinal stabilization exercises to manage balance impairments of patients with AIS, while further studies providing more robust evidence are needed.

Author(s) Disclosures: No conflicts.