The Role of Measured Resistance Exercises in Adolescent Scoliosis

Abstract Twenty adolescent patients (18 girls and 2 boys) with scoliosis ranging from 15°-41° in their major curve were treated with a progressive resistive training program for torso rotation. All patients demonstrated an asymmetry of rotation strength measured on specialized equipment, and surface electrode electromyograms showed inhibition of lumbar paraspinal muscles. Sixteen of 20 patients demonstrated curve reduction, and no patient showed an increase in curve.