Rehabilitation effects of combined respiratory guidance and chiropractic adjustment on adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical efficacy of respiratory guidance combined with chiropractic adjustment in treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

METHODS

Clinical data from 108 AIS patients treated between June 2023 and January 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. Based on the therapeutic approach, patients were allocated into a conventional group (n = 47) and a respiratory chiropractic treatment group (n = 61). Clinical outcomes, lumbar-back muscle strength, trunk rotation angle, and Cobb angle were compared. Lumbar-back pain intensity, exercise endurance, and quality of life were recorded before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The overall effective rate was significantly higher in the respiratory chiropractic group than that in the conventional group (96.72% vs. 80.85%, P = 0.017). Post-treatment, both groups demonstrated improved lumbar-back strength and reduced trunk rotation and Cobb angles, with greater improvements in the respiratory chiropractic group (all P < 0.05). Scoliosis severity, apical trunk inclination, head deviation, and asymmetry in shoulder and pelvic height were all reduced after treatment, again with superior outcomes in the respiratory chiropractic group (all P < 0.05). Compared with baseline, both groups showed longer six-minute walking test distances and lower visual analogue scale scores, with the combined therapy producing greater benefits (all P < 0.05). The posterior trunk symmetry index and Scoliosis Research Society-22 scores were also markedly improved in both groups, particularly in those receiving combined treatment (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Integrating respiratory guidance with spinal adjustment provides significant rehabilitative benefits for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. This combined approach enhances spinal flexibility, strengthens back musculature, alleviates pain, improves exercise tolerance, and ultimately promotes better overall quality of life.