EFFECTS OF THE SCHROTH METHOD IN CHILDREN WITH IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Abstract

Scoliosis is a multifactorial three-dimensional (3D) spinal deformation which always includes elementary deformations on three planes: a lateral curvature on the frontal plane, loss of natural physiological curvature on the sagittal plane and, in most cases, increase of lordosis in the lumbosacral joint (hyperlordosis), and a (very typical) vertebral axial rotation on the horizontal plane. One of the best methods in scoliosis correction is the Schroth method. In view of the above, the objective of this study is to identify the effects of the Schroth method on correcting functional-motor status in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (IS). The participant sample comprised 20 children, of an average age of 14.5, who took part in the 10-day Schroth Camp. The following measure instruments were used for the assessment of the effect of the Schroth method: the Sorensen test, the Sit-and-reach test, and height assessment. Statistically significant improvements were identified across the results of all three tests, for the Sorensen test: 45.6±19.29 s, the Sit-and-reach test: 4.05±2.25 cm, and height 1.4±0.66 cm. It can be concluded that the conducted Schroth method exercise program exerted a positive effect on improving motor functionality, as well as enhancing flexibility and isometric endurance of the lumbar extensors of the spine. Additionally, there was an increase in height, which indicates a positive effect in terms of the functionality and symmetry of the left and right sides of the body, and in terms of improved posture on the frontal and sagittal planes.