The Effectiveness of Schroth vs SEAS Exercise Methods for Correcting Idiopathic Scoliosis in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type of scoliosis and the most complex deformity of the spine. The promising results of Schroth and Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS), among other methods of exercise therapy, have attracted the attention of many researchers and therapists. However, there is still vague evidence of their effectiveness and their superiority. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of Schroth and SEAS exercises on correcting AIS.

Searching was conducted in databases, including Cochrane, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 2005 to December 2021 using keywords related to AIS. Inclusion criteria were the papers using Schroth and SEAS exercises as an intervention. The PEDro scale was used for evaluating the quality of the papers.

Ten papers with an average PEDro score of 6.2 were licensed to enter the study. Five Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) and one Clinical Controlled Trial (CCT) reported a significant reduction in Cobb Angle (CA) (greater than 5°) using the Schroth method (moderate). Moreover, two CCTs and one RCT indicated a significant reduction in CA (greater than 5°) using the SEAS method (limited). However, no paper was found for choosing superiority between Schroth and SEAS (no evidence).

Although there is limited to moderate evidence in the studies, it seems that both Schroth and SEAS exercises were effective in improving AIS, which was more prominent in the study of the Schroth method. Nevertheless, accessing high-quality papers is necessary for achieving more accurate results in the future.