Stretching Versus Mechanical Traction of the Spine in Treatment of Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

Abstract.[Purpose] Traction-based therapies are non-invasive and probably cost-effective and have received interest recently. This study was conducted to compare two training programs, traction and stretching exercises, in rehabilitation of moderate scoliotic patients.[Subjects] Forty patients who were 15 to 25 years of age and had moderate scoliosis (Cobb's angle of 20 to 40 degrees) were randomized to either a stretching exercises group (n=20) or mechanical traction group (n=20).[Methods] All the patients were informed about the testing and training procedure and were allocated randomly into two groups. Both the groups received a common physical therapy program of 3 sessions a week for 3 months. In addition, the stretching exercises group received stretching of muscles on the concave side with postural instructions for activities of daily living. The mechanical traction group received mechanical traction of the lumbar spine with postural instructions for activities of daily living. The outcome measures used were anteroposterior view of loading X-ray to detect any change in the Cobb's angle of the lower spine, tape measurement to detect forward flexion of the trunk by using fingertip-to-floor test (FFT), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain measurement. [Results] There was more significant improvement of the Cobb's angle in the stretching exercises group than in the mechanical traction group. There was no significant difference in VAS and FFT values between the groups. [Conclusion] Stretching exercises led to significant improvement in the Cobb's angle and resulted in improvement of scoliotic curves in moderate scoliotic patients.

Effects of consecutive application of stretching, Schroth, and strengthening exercises on Cobb’s angle and the rib hump in an adult with idiopathic scoliosis

“…Therefore, the stretching exercises implemented in the first stage may have relaxed the muscles that were asymmetrically shortened around the spine and lengthened the trunk, thereby increasing flexibility. Zakaria et al 10 ) showed that stretching exercises decreased muscle spasms on the concave side and hyperactivity and corrected the curvature of the lumbar region by lengthening the shortened muscles.…”

“…The strengthening exercises implemented in the final stage activated the muscles that were corrected using the Schroth exercises and may have helped the patient maintain spinal stability by strengthening the trunk muscles. Zakaria et al 10 ) reported that the use of strengthening exercises for the weakened muscles on the convex side corrected the body’s line of gravity and improved muscle balance.…”

Functional Assessment on the Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

“…Stretching exercises implemented in the first stage may have relaxed the muscles that were asymmetrically shortened around the spine and stretched the muscles around the trunk, increasing flexibility. Zakaria et al (2012) showed that stretching exercises reduced muscle spasms in the concave side and hyperactivity and corrected bending of the lumbar region extending shortened muscles.…”

Effects of Swiss ball exercise and resistance exercise on respiratory function and trunk control ability in patients with scoliosis

“…Although these exercise methods have limitations in their ability to arrest and correct moderate or severe scoliosis, they are effective for mild scoliosis or when performed in conjunction with an orthosis or traction treatment 13 ) . There are many reports on the effectiveness of exercise therapies for scoliosis treatment 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ) . However, until recently, scoliosis treatment was decided mainly on the basis of the level of deformation and speed of progression, with little or no regard to its effect on cardiopulmonary function.…”