The Effects of Schroth Based Exercise Therapy in Adolescents with Pectus Excavatum

The Effects of Schroth Based Exercise Therapy in Adolescents with Pectus Excavatum

Research on exercise methods for pectus excavatum (PE) is limited, highlighting the need for further studies. This study investigated the effects of Schroth-based exercise therapy combined with vacuum treatment in 35 adolescents with PE, divided into a vacuum + exercise group (n=19) and a vacuum-only group (n=16). Outcomes included deformity severity, sagittal posture, thoracic cage and spinal mobility, muscle endurance, and quality of life. The combination therapy significantly improved sagittal spinal posture (craniovertebral, thoracic, thoracolumbar, lumbar angles) and deformity-specific quality of life (Nuss Questionnaire scores) compared to vacuum-only treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• having pectus excavatum
• being 10-18 years
• having Haller index more than 2.5

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with pectus excavatum associated with a syndrome Individuals with mixed deformity
• Individuals who have previously received any conservative treatment or surgery for chest deformity or spinal issues
• Individuals with neuromuscular, rheumatic, or chronic systemic diseases