Authors (including presenting author) :
Chan ML(1), Chui KW(1), Leung YY(1), Chan SL(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, Princess Margaret Hospital
Introduction :
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional (3D) deformity of spine, with a prevalence of 3 to 4% among adolescents in Hong Kong. A structured conventional scoliosis exercise program has been started in the Physiotherapy Department of PMH since 1999. In 2018, “Schroth Best Practice” exercises have been implemented. It targets on individual patient’s curve site and is based on 3D self-correction, training activities of daily living and stabilization of the corrected posture.
Objectives :
To report the effectiveness of “Schroth Best Practice” exercises on scoliosis.
Methodology :
A 15-year-old male (Risser stage 5) was first referred to the Physiotherapy Department of PMH for Scoliosis in 2014. A lower thoracic curve (T5-T12) and a lumber curve (T12-L4) were recorded. Conventional scoliosis exercise program, core stabilization exercises and hydrotherapy were given to him. He was referred back for Physiotherapy in 2018 due to progression of thoracic curve and thoracic pain. He received both pain relief modalities and “Schroth Best Practice” exercises. X-rays from 2014 to 2018 were reviewed, in order to compare changes in the spinal curvature (Cobb’s angle) and investigate the effectiveness of the “Schroth Best Practice” exercises.
Result & Outcome :
In 2014, T5-T12 Cobb’s angle progressed from 21.2o to 24 o and 27o in 2015 and early 2018 respectively. A new, secondary curve from T1 to T5 (Cobb’s angle 25o) was also developed. Followed-up X-ray taken after Physiotherapy interventions with Schroth Best Practice exercises in late 2018 showed a reduction of 6.4o in the T5-T12 curvature; Cobb’s angles for the T1-T5 and T12-L4 were both maintained all along. Truncal motilities were well maintained and the thoracic pain totally resolved after 8 sessions. To conclude, conventional scoliosis exercise program may serve its purpose to slow down the curve’s progression but the result in this case report may imply that “Schroth Best Practice” exercises has an addition effect on reducing the scoliotic curvature. Yet, further studies with a larger sample size and a long-term follow-up session are warranted in order to examine the effectiveness of “Schroth Best Practice” exercises in the reduction in the scoliotic curvature and its efficacy in different forms of scoliosis in Hong Kong.
