Efficacy of Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has a relatively high prevalence in adolescents. Exercise is the most common conservative therapy for mild AIS patients. There are increasing evidences suggesting that physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise (PSSE) can halt the curve progression. Nevertheless, the evidence concerning PSSE is inadequate and low quality. The aim of this study is to identify the efficacy of PSSE on Cobb's angle, rotation angle, fall index, pulmonary function, bone quality, and health related quality-of-life (HRQoL) for mild AIS patients, and to promote PSSE's application in Shanghai. Prior to inclusion, all subjects will be examined by the physiatrists. A parent of each subject will be asked to sign an informed consent form before the subject participate in the study. Eligible subjects will be randomized by a 1:1 allocation ratio by computer either to the intervention group, in which they will perform PSSEs; or the control group, in which they will perform generalised physiotherapy exercises. All subjects will be assessed at the initial visit and 6 months. A multidimensional, comprehensive evaluation including aesthetic appearance, radiographic measurement, static balance test, pulmonary function test, bone quality, and HRQoL will be used.