Pulmonary function in mild idiopathic thoracic scoliosis before and after therapeutic exercise

ABSTRACT

Seventeen patients [11 females and 6 males] with mild idiopathic thoracic scoliosis were referred for this study, their mean age was 17.25 +/- 1.75 years and a mean duration of scoliosis of 3.75 +/- 0.5 years. Pulmonary function tests including vital capacity [VC], forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 sec. [FEV1], maximum voluntary ventilation [MVV], peak expiratory flow [PEF] and PIF were performed. These tests were repeated three months later during which therapeutic exercises were performed. The results revealed that 12 patients suffered from pulmonary function impairment showed a significant improvement in VC, FVC and FEV1 [% of predictive] after exercises. This study concluded that thoracic scoliosis impaired pulmonary function even in mild cases. VC, FVC and FEV1 [% of predictive] could be used as parameters for the assessment and early diagnosis of pulmonary function impairment in thoracic scoliotic patients. Also, the therapeutic exercises could be considered as a helpful tool for the improvement and/or preservation of pulmonary function. The study recommended that checkup should start as early as possible and should take place every six months to avoid pulmonary function deterioration