The effect of a 6-month Schroth exercise program: a pilot study using subjects as their own controls

Methods We included patients with AIS, 10-18 years, with curves of 10-45o, wearing a brace or not, and randomized initially into the standard-care group (observation or bracing) of an ongoing RCT. After receiving standard care for 6 months, controls received the 6-month Schroth intervention. Patients completed five introductory individual visits followed by 1-hour weekly supervised group sessions combined with daily home exercises prescribed using an algorithm (45 minutes). Outcomes were recorded at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Effect sizes were estimated using Cohen’s d (≥0.2=small, 0.5-0.8=moderate, >0.8=large), which corresponds to the difference between groups divided by the pooled standard deviation of the individual differences[2]. Results Of 13 subjects, 2 dropped out while controls and 2 while in Schroth therapy. Of the nine subjects who completed all follow-ups, the mean age and Cobb angle at baseline were 14.0±1.8yrs and 31±10.5o (17-43o), respectively. The recruitment rate was 14% among eligible participants, with time constraints limiting participation. All effect sizes favored Schroth except the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ) waist score (0.14). Effect sizes for the SRS-22r questionnaire were as follows: self-image=0.92, pain=0.60, function=0.18 and total=0.56. Pain, self-image and total scores improvements were statistically significant (repeated measures ANOVA). SAQ effect sizes were as follows: general=0.23, chest=0.96, kyphosis=1.43, shoulders=0.40, trunk shift=0.44, prominence=0.77 and curve=0.89. Effect sizes for curve measures were as follows: major Cobb angle=0.00 and combined Cobb angles=0.13. Global ratings of change were significantly higher after Schroth therapy (4.7±2.3, 15-point scale).