Effects of Home Exercise Intervention on Bone Density, Muscle Functions, QoL, and Curve Progression in Girls With AIS

Effects of Home Exercise Intervention on Bone Density, Muscle Functions, Quality of Life, and Curve Progression in Girls With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Studies with exercise intervention aimed to improve the bone health and muscle functions in patients with AIS were lacking. Evidence suggested that low bone mass and low muscle mass were associated with curve severity and occurrence of AIS. Weight-bearing exercise that aimed to improve musculoskeletal and metabolic health could enhance bone health and muscle mass, and could provide a feasible alternative conservative treatment to prevent curve progression as well as the quality of life in AIS girls. This is a pilot feasibility study for future large randomized controlled trial (RCT) aiming at determining the effects of home based exercise program on improving bone mineral density (BMD), muscle mass and functions, quality of life (QoL), and prevent curve progression in skeletally immature girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cobb Angle greater or equal to 15°
• Newly diagnosed at the Scoliosis Clinic without prior treatment
• Cleared for physical activity by doctor

Exclusion Criteria:

• Scoliosis with any known etiology such as congenital scoliosis, neuromuscular scoliosis, scoliosis of metabolic etiology, scoliosis with skeletal dysplasia, or
• Known endocrine and connective tissue abnormalities, or
• Known heart condition or other diseases that could affect the safety of exercise
• Eating disorders or GI malabsorption disorders or
• Currently taking medication that affects bone or muscle metabolism