The Effect of 16 Weeks of Modified Apparatus Pilates Exercise on Cobb's Angle, Trunk Rotation Angle, and Depression in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

Purpose: This study was undertaken to identify the effects of apparatus Pilates exercise on Cobb's angle, angle of trunk rotation, and depression in female patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: Participants included five patients with idiopathic scoliosis presenting with Cobb's angle of 10 degrees or more. Among the single-subject experimental research designs, the reversal (ABA) design was selected and performed. The apparatus Pilates exercise was performed for a total of 16 weeks, comprising 8 weeks between the baseline and intervention 1 period and 8 weeks between intervention 1 and intervention 2 periods. The patients were then followed up for 5 weeks.Results: In all subjects, compared to the baseline, Cobb's angle and the angle of trunk rotation decreased after application of the apparatus Pilates exercise. The follow-up period also showed a similar continuous decline. Following the apparatus Pilates exercise, the depression scale in subject 3 was increased during the intervention 1 period as compared to the baseline. However, the patient displayed a reduced depression scale in intervention 2 and follow-up periods. The depression scale in all other subjects was decreased for both intervention periods and the follow-up period. Conclusion:The application of apparatus Pilates exercise improves Cobb's angle and the angle of trunk rotation for female patients with idiopathic scoliosis in their 10s and 20s. Our results also indicate that this is potentially an effective intervention method to overcome depression.