The influence of corrective exercises in a water environment on the shape of the antero-posterior curves of the spine and on the functional status of the locomotor system in children with Io scoliosis.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the influence of corrective exercises in a water environment on the shape of the antero-posterior curves of the spine and on the functional status of the locomotor system of children with Io scoliosis. The study involved a group of 94 children aged 8-13 years with Cobb Io scoliosis. Computer-aided photogrammetry was used to analyse the shape of the antero-posterior curves of the spine. The functional evaluation of the children’s musculoskeletal system involved several functional tests: the Dega wall test, Thomas test, Lasegue test, and Kraus-Weber test. The tests were carried out twice: before a 6-month programme of corrective exercises in a water environment, and immediately on completion of the rehabilitation programme. The programme included swimming and corrective exercises in water.

The programme of corrective exercises had an influence on the length and angle of thoracic kyphosis. The muscle strength of the lower part of the erector spinae also increased, as did shoulder mobility measured by the Dega test.

Barczyk K, Zawadzka D, Hawrylak A, Bocheńska A, Skolimowska B, Małachowska-Sobieska M. The influence of corrective exercises in a water environment on the shape of the antero-posterior curves of the spine and on the functional status of the locomotor system in children with Io scoliosis. Ortop Traumatol Rehabil. 2009 May-Jun;11(3):209-21