Mode
Text Size
Log in / Sign up

Bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises are confirmed effective for scoliosis in children and adolescentsBracing and Specific Exercises Show Promise for Scoliosis Treatment

AI-generated summary of the cited source, checked by automated accuracy review. How we work

Key Takeaway
Note that bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises are confirmed effective for scoliosis in children.

This narrative review synthesizes current evidence regarding the prevalence and management of scoliosis in children and adolescents. The review identifies an overall prevalence of approximately 1.65% in these populations. A significant sex disparity was noted, with a female predominance (OR = 2.16; 95% CI: 2.01-2.33).

The authors confirm the efficacy of both bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises as management strategies. The review also explores the use of school-based screening, home-based screening tools, and finite element analysis to understand mechanical properties.

Several limitations are noted, including geographically unbalanced studies with limited data from low-latitude regions and a lack of unified clinical guidelines for treatment selection. Additionally, there is a lack of long-term longitudinal evidence regarding the impact of treatment on mental health. Finite element analysis models were noted to be constructed under idealized conditions. These findings provide a reference for clinical practice and future research directions, though the translational value of finite element analysis and the adoption of home-based screening tools remain uncertain.

How this fits prior evidence

This narrative review confirms the efficacy of bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises. It extends the existing evidence base by providing specific data on sex disparity (OR = 2.16; 95% CI: 2.01-2.33) and a prevalence of approximately 1.65%. These findings complement previous evidence regarding the efficacy of Schroth training for Cobb angle reduction in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

This review looked at the current ways to manage scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways. The review focused on children and adolescents, who make up the primary group affected by this condition. It noted that scoliosis affects about 1.65% of children and adolescents, with a much higher prevalence found in females.

The findings confirm that both bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises are effective ways to manage the condition. These methods are currently used to help stabilize the spine and improve outcomes for young patients. The review also looked at how computer models can help understand the mechanical properties of the spine.

Because this is a narrative review, the evidence is not enough to change daily medical practice immediately. Some limitations include a lack of long-term data on how these treatments affect mental health and a lack of unified guidelines for choosing between treatments. Patients should talk to their doctors to decide which treatment plan is best for their specific needs.

What this means for you:
Bracing and specific physical exercises are confirmed to be effective for managing scoliosis in children.

Common questions

Is scoliosis more common in girls or boys?

Yes, the data shows a clear sex disparity in scoliosis. The study found a female predominance, with the odds of having scoliosis being higher in females. This means girls are more likely to be affected by the condition than boys.

Are there effective ways to treat scoliosis in children?

The review confirmed the efficacy of both bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises. Both methods are shown to be effective for managing the condition in children and adolescents who are dealing with scoliosis.

What is the overall prevalence of scoliosis in children?

The review found that the overall prevalence of scoliosis in children and adolescents is approximately 1.65%. This helps doctors understand how common the condition is within the pediatric population.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedSep 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
Scoliosis in children and adolescents, particularly adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), is a complex three-dimensional spinal deformity with a well-defined global prevalence and a considerable disease burden. This narrative review synthesizes the latest advances in the field, encompassing epidemiology, screening strategies, conservative treatment (bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises), biomechanical research, and artificial intelligence applications. A recent global meta-analysis indicates that the overall prevalence of scoliosis in children and adolescents is approximately 1.65%, with a consistent female predominance observed across most studies (global pooled OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 2.01–2.33), although the magnitude of this sex disparity varies by region, and prevalence increasing with age. However, the included studies are geographically unbalanced, with limited data from low-latitude regions, which may bias the global prevalence estimate. School-based screening remains the cornerstone of early detection, but screening policies vary significantly across countries. The development of novel home-based screening tools offers a new approach to overcome the limitations of school screening, yet their widespread adoption is constrained by economic factors and parental awareness. Multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have confirmed the efficacy of bracing and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises, but no unified clinical guidelines exist for selecting the optimal treatment strategy. Furthermore, long-term longitudinal evidence on the intrinsic link between treatment approaches and patients’ mental health is still lacking. In addition, biomechanical techniques such as finite element analysis provide new perspectives for elucidating the mechanical properties of scoliosis and optimizing treatment strategies, but most models are constructed under idealized conditions, differing from the physiological state, and their clinical translational value awaits further validation. This review integrates core evidence from the field, aiming to provide a reference for clinical practice and future research directions.
Free Newsletter

Clinical research that matters. Delivered to your inbox.

Join thousands of clinicians and researchers. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.