Comparative Study of Schroth and SEAS Methods in Managing Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Keywords:
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Schroth Method, SEAS, Cobb Angle, Randomized Clinical Trial, Conservative ManagementAbstract
Background:Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity among adolescents. Exercise-based interventions like the Schroth and SEAS methods are increasingly used as conservative treatments to correct spinal curvature and improve quality of life.
Objective:This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of the Schroth method and the Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) in reducing Cobb angle and improving pain levels in adolescents with AIS.
Methods:Sixty adolescents aged 10–18 years with Cobb angles between 20°–45° were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (Schroth Method, n = 30) and Group B (SEAS Method, n = 30). Both groups underwent 7 weeks of supervised physiotherapy, five sessions per week. Primary and secondary outcomes—Cobb angle and pain (VAS)—were measured pre- and post-intervention. Inter-group and intra-group comparisons were analyzed using paired and independent sample t-tests.
Results:Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in Cobb angle and VAS scores (p < 0.001). The Schroth group had a greater mean Cobb angle reduction (8.13° ± 2.96) compared to the SEAS group (4.13° ± 2.32) (p < 0.001). Similarly, pain reduction was higher in the Schroth group (4.37 ± 1.34) than the SEAS group (2.80 ± 1.15) (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:While both Schroth and SEAS methods are effective for managing AIS, the Schroth method demonstrated superior outcomes in Cobb angle reduction and pain relief. These findings suggest Schroth therapy may be the more effective conservative treatment in AIS management.
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