An Aerobic Exercising Program on Respiratory Muscle Strength in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Study Design: This was a randomized, controlled, open study to test the impact of a physiotherapeutic program of aerobic exercises on respiratory muscle strength, in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Objective. To analyze, by means of maximum respiratory pressure measurements, the conditioning of the respiratory muscles after four months of aerobic exercise training. Summary of Background Data. AIS can change the respiratory dynamics and performance of the inspiratory and expiratory muscles, affecting ventilatory capacity.

Methods: Patients with AIS, aged between 10 and 20 years, were randomly assigned to the aerobic exercise-training program group or the no treatment group. They were evaluated for respiratory muscle strength before and after the treatment period, by means of a manometer, and radiographs of the chest and spine. The physical therapy exercise protocol consisted of three weekly sessions, including stretching, aerobic exercises (first mild and then accelerated) and relaxation techniques, for a period of four months.

Inclusion criteria

• aged between 10 and 20 years
• diagnosed as having adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a spinal angle of scoliotic deformity of at least 45º, and candidates for surgical correction
• sedentary

Exclusion criteria

• spinal angle deformities of less than 45º
• previous operation for spinal correction
• comorbidities (lung, heart or neurological diseases) that could interfere with the understanding of the procedures of this study (both diagnostic and interventional)
• regular physical activity