Application of the Schroth Method in the Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Dec 13;19(24):16730. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192416730.

Abstract

(1) Background: Idiopathic scoliosis can be defined as a complex three-dimensional deformity of the spine and trunk, which occurs in basically healthy children. Schroth scoliosis-specific exercises have shown good results in reducing idiopathic scoliosis progression. This study aimed to critically evaluate the effect size of Schroth's method through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2) Methods: Four databases were included in the search: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used: "Schroth exercise", "idiopathic scoliosis", "Cobb angle", "angle of trunk rotation", and "quality of life". Only articles written in English that met the following criteria were included in our study: subjects who had idiopathic scoliosis, the Schroth method was applied, and Cobb angle or angle of trunk rotation or quality of life as outcomes. (3) Results: Ten randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The effect size of the Schroth exercise ranged from almost moderate to large, for the outcomes used: Cobb angle (ES = -0.492, p ˂ 0.005); ATR (ES = -0.471, p = 0.013); QoL (ES = 1.087, p ˂ 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The current meta-analysis indicates that the Schroth method has a positive effect on subjects with idiopathic scoliosis.

Keywords: Cobb angle; Schroth exercise; angle of trunk rotation; posture; quality of life; rehabilitation; therapeutic exercise.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review
  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Exercise Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Quality of Life
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Scoliosis* / therapy
  • Spine
  • Treatment Outcome

Grants and funding

This research was financially supported by the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research of AP Vojvodina, grant number: 142-451-2595.