Effects of Structured Physical Therapy on Spinal Alignment in Idiopathic Scoliosis: A 12-Month Prospective Study

TL;DR

A 12-month structured physical therapy program significantly improved spinal alignment in teens with mild scoliosis.

Contribution

Demonstrates long-term effectiveness of structured physiotherapy in idiopathic scoliosis management.

Findings

Mean Cobb angle decreased by 3.74° over 12 months (20.3% relative reduction).

Patients with milder baseline curves showed greater improvement than those with more severe curves.

Baseline severity was the only significant predictor of improvement in multivariable analysis.

Abstract

Background: Scoliosis, a three-dimensional spinal deformity, can impair posture, function, and quality of life. Conservative approaches such as structured physical therapy are widely used, but evidence from long-term, real-world settings remains limited. In this study, “structured” refers to a standardized, supervised program delivered three times per week, incorporating postural correction, Klapp-based positioning, core strengthening, flexibility training, and progressive intensity adjustments rather than ad hoc or unsupervised exercise. Methods: In this 12-month longitudinal study, 240 patients aged 15–19 years with idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angle 15–25°) were enrolled; 222 completed the program and were included in analyses. All participants were near or beyond skeletal maturity, representing a population with low residual risk of curve progression. Spinal alignment was assessed by Cobb angle at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, with monthly clinical evaluations to track progress. Outcomes were analyzed by baseline severity, age, sex, and skeletal maturity (Risser stage) using paired-samples t-tests, repeated-measures ANOVA, subgroup analyses, and multivariable regression. Clinically meaningful improvement was defined as a ≥20% reduction in Cobb angle from baseline. Results: Mean Cobb angle decreased from 18.59° at baseline to 14.85° at 12 months (Δ = −3.74°, 20.3% relative reduction; p < 0.001). The largest improvement occurred in the first 6 months (−3.04°, p < 0.001), followed by a smaller gain between months 6 and 12 (−0.70°, p = 0.012). Patients with milder baseline curves improved more than those with greater deviations (4.45° vs. 3.21°, p < 0.001). Monthly clinical follow-ups suggested gradual improvement between radiographic assessments, though detailed statistical analyses were limited to baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. In multivariable regression, baseline severity remained the only significant predictor of improvement (p < 0.001), while age, sex, and Risser stage were not significant (all p > 0.05). Overall, 24.3% of participants achieved clinically meaningful improvement. Conclusions: A structured 12-month physical therapy program produced significant, sustained improvements in spinal alignment across diverse patient groups. Early intervention in milder curves maximized benefit. These findings support physiotherapy exercise programs as an effective conservative option for scoliosis management.

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