Role of physical exercise in the treatment of mild idiopathic adolescent scoliosis review of the literature

Physical exercise therapy (or kinesitherapy) is a program of physical exercises, specifically developed by a well trained physiotherapist, with the main aim of: preventing the aggravation of the deformity, in mild scoliosis; helping the brace and counteracting its side effects, in moderate scoliosis. The aim of this paper is to review the literature to ascertain which of the impairments and disabilities caused by scoliosis could be prevented or reduced by physical exercise. An up-to-date knowledge of these aspects is needed in order to decide: whether there is an adequate theoretical basis for or against the use of kinesitherapy; whether or not the practice of leisure time sporting activities should be allowed. It is essential to identify which categories of physical exercises (i.e. mobilization or stabilization; strengthening or stretching; etc.) should be avoided because they could be detrimental and which should be intensified because they could be useful. Knowledge emerging from scientific research data, according to the review of the literature proposed in this paper, confirms that physical exercise: prevents or reduces disabilities of scoliotic patients; facilitates the neutralization of postural deficits to produce, as a consequence, a stationary or regressive curve. The use of appropriate kinesitherapy to increase postural stability is theoretically correct, although a more accurate and detailed risk/benefits analysis is needed.