Introduction: Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that occurs most frequently in childhood. Scoliosis-specific exercises or stretching and strengthening exercises can be performed as a conservative treatment for scoliosis. Pilates training can help improve posture, relieve back pain, and generally enhance the quality of life of people with scoliosis by strengthening the core muscles. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of Pilates exercise on scoliosis through a review of scientific literature. Methods: The literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases using the keywords »Pilates« and »scoliosis«. The following inclusion criteria were applied: Full-text articles in English describing randomized controlled trials, involving participants diagnosed with scoliosis who performed Pilates training. Results: Six randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. The studies examined the impact of Pilates on Cobb angle, pain, angle of trunk rotation, body weight distribution, psychological factors (depression, self-image, self-esteem), spinal deformities, respiratory muscle strength, functional lung capacity, and the ability to expand the chest in participants with scoliosis. Five studies reported a reduction in Cobb angle, two studies observed a reduction in the angle of trunk rotation, and two studies noted a decrease in back pain among participants. Discussion and conclusion: The analysis of results from the six studies suggests that Pilates training positively influences the reduction of Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation, and back pain in participants with scoliosis. The studies showed that combining Pilates with the three-dimensional Schroth breathing method or Schroth exercises alone is more effective in reducing the Cobb angle and the angle of trunk rotation than Pilates training alone. However, most participants were female, which limits the generalizability of the results to males. Future studies should include gender-balanced samples, standardize the parameters studied, define the type of scoliosis, and increase the number of participants.
|
