The Effect of a Schroth Method-Based Exercise Program, on Enhancing the In-Brace Correction on Individuals with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Conservative treatment with a brace has shown significant improvement in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Initial in-brace correction can serve as a predictive factor for the treatment outcome. Additionally, significant data highlight the effectiveness of Schroth exercises. There is also evidence that the combination of Schroth and Bracing can provide a better treatment outcome. The study aimed to investigate the effect of a Schroth exercise program on the initial in-brace correction and in a 6-month follow-up in-brace radiological evaluation. Fifty children aged 10-17 years, diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis were divided into two groups: a treatment group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25). The treatment group used a brace combined with a specialized Schroth exercise program. The control group used only bracing. Schroth-compatible braces were used by all the participants and bracing was prescribed for 18-22 hours daily. Schroth exercise was performed twice a week under supervision and 4 times at home. For the statistical analysis, 2-way ANOVA and paired t-test were used. The statistical analysis has shown a statistically significant group * time interaction (p = 0.015). According to the findings, a significant improvement was demonstrated in in-brace correction in the intervention group over a 6-month period. This indicates the effect of Schroth exercises in enhancing in-brace correction values over time.