Exercise as a Mean of Treating Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents: Practical Applications

Abstract

Idiopathic scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine of unknown etiology, which is present in a remarkable percentage of school-age children. This percentage in Greece is up to 1.7%. Early rehabilitation of this deformity is very important, since its progressive trend will result to children being suffering from its unpleasant associative symptoms in adulthood. Physical exercises targeting to postural correction with the use of strengthening, flexibility, balance and coordination exercises are considered important in improving or inhibiting the progress of scoliosis. Physical exercises have also a significant contribution in improving the respiratory function and the limited working capacity in scoliosis patients. This study presents an exercise program for children and adolescents with light or mild idiopathic scoliosis, which is also applicable on the Physical Education curriculum at school. The rules, the targets and the rational for the design and application of similar programs are also described.