Effect of Core Stabilization Exercises in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Controlled Clinical

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a common spinal deformity that develops during growth and may lead to pain, functional limitations, and psychosocial concerns if not appropriately managed. Conservative rehabilitation approaches aim to reduce curve progression, improve trunk stability, and enhance quality of life. Core stabilization exercises have gained attention as a targeted intervention to address impaired postural control and muscular imbalance associated with scoliosis, yet evidence from resource-limited regions remains limited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a structured core stabilization exercise program on spinal curvature, pain intensity, functional outcomes, and trunk muscle endurance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

METHODOLOGY: A controlled clinical trial was conducted over seven months in orthopedic and physiotherapy outpatient settings in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan. Adolescents aged 10–18 years with idiopathic scoliosis and Cobb angles between 10° and 30° were randomly allocated to an intervention group receiving supervised core stabilization exercises or a control group receiving conventional care. The intervention was delivered three times weekly for twelve weeks. Outcome measures included Cobb angle, Visual Analog Scale for pain, Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire, and trunk muscle endurance tests. Data were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests.

RESULTS: Sixty-six participants completed the study. The intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in mean Cobb angle from 21.4 ± 5.2° to 17.6 ± 4.9°, while minimal change was observed in the control group (p < 0.001). Pain intensity decreased by 3.1 points in the intervention group compared to 0.8 points in controls. Significant improvements were also observed in SRS-22 scores and trunk muscle endurance following the intervention (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Core stabilization exercises were effective in improving spinal alignment, reducing pain, and enhancing functional outcomes in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Incorporating such programs into routine physiotherapy care may offer a practical conservative management strategy, particularly in low-resource settings.

KEY TERMS: Adolescent, Exercise Therapy, Idiopathic Scoliosis, Orthopedic Rehabilitation, Postural Balance, Spine, Trunk Muscles