Effect of Schroth Exercise on Pulmonary Function and Exercise Capacity in Patients with Severe Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Schroth exercise on pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients with severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods: Forty subjects with severe AIS were assigned to the Schroth exercise and aerobic exercise groups and then received the corresponding intervention. The baseline and 12-week follow-up visits were used to assess the pulmonary function and exercise capacity. Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, all the subjects presented improved pulmonary function and exercise capacity (P < 0.05). According to inter-group comparison, The Schroth exercise group demonstrated more significant enhancements in pulmonary function compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Besides, subjects in the Schroth exercise group demonstrated a significantly longer average walking distance according to the 6-min walk test (p < 0.05) and a lower average Borg fatigue score (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Schroth exercise offered better improvement of pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients with severe AIS than aerobic exercise.