Effect of Group Exercising and Adjusting the Brace at Shorter Intervals on Cobb Angle and Quality of Life of Patients With Idiopathic Scoliosis

OBJECTIVEThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of group exercise with brace adjustment at shorter intervals than used in routine practice in late-onset idiopathic scoliosis patients. DESIGNThis was a quasi-experimental study. Thirty patients with progressive scoliosis curves of 15–50 degrees and a prescription for a brace were divided into experimental and control groups, both of which participated in an 11-wk treatment program. Those in the experimental group underwent brace adjustment twice per week and performed group exercise, whereas those in the control group received a routine protocol. The quality of life and Cobb angle of patients in both groups were evaluated based on baseline and final results of the 22-item Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire and primary and secondary radiographs. RESULTSIn the experimental group, the improvement in Cobb angle and patient satisfaction was greater than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, in patients with Cobb angles of less than 30 degrees, the self-image and satisfaction domains and the total scores of patients in the experimental group were significantly different from those in the control group at the final assessment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONSBrace adjustment at shorter intervals combined with group exercise increases patient satisfaction and reduces scoliosis Cobb angles.