An Aerobic Exercising Program on Respiratory Muscle Strength in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
An Aerobic Exercising Program on Respiratory Muscle Strength in Patients With Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) can change the respiratory dynamics and performance of
 the inspiratory and expiratory muscles, affecting ventilatory capacity. This was a
 randomized, controlled, open study to test the impact of a physiotherapeutic program of
 aerobic exercises on respiratory muscle strength, in patients with adolescent idiopathic
 scoliosis. Patients with AIS were randomly assigned to the aerobic exercise-training program
 group or the no treatment group. There was a significant increase in Pimax and Pemax in the
 group which received physiotherapy.
Study Design: This was a randomized, controlled, open study to test the impact of a
 physiotherapeutic program of aerobic exercises on respiratory muscle strength, in patients
 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Objective. To analyze, by means of maximum
 respiratory pressure measurements, the conditioning of the respiratory muscles after four
 months of aerobic exercise training. Summary of Background Data. AIS can change the
 respiratory dynamics and performance of the inspiratory and expiratory muscles, affecting
 ventilatory capacity.

 Methods: Patients with AIS, aged between 10 and 20 years, were randomly assigned to the
 aerobic exercise-training program group or the no treatment group. They were evaluated for
 respiratory muscle strength before and after the treatment period, by means of a manometer,
 and radiographs of the chest and spine. The physical therapy exercise protocol consisted of
 three weekly sessions, including stretching, aerobic exercises (first mild and then
 accelerated) and relaxation techniques, for a period of four months.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  aged between 10 and 20 years

 -  diagnosed as having adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with a spinal angle of scoliotic
 deformity of at least 45º, and candidates for surgical correction

 -  sedentary

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  spinal angle deformities of less than 45º

 -  previous operation for spinal correction

 -  comorbidities (lung, heart or neurological diseases) that could interfere with the
 understanding of the procedures of this study (both diagnostic and interventional)

 -  regular physical activity