Abstract

Purpose. To examine the effects of ESWT combined with neural mobilization in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Study Design. Randomized Controlled Experimental design. Methods. Forty-five patients were assigned randomly into three equal groups; their ages were between 10 to 18 years and Cobb degrees from 15 to 30°. Group (A): received a physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE). Group (B): received PSSE in addition to ESWT. Group (C): received treatment program as in group (B) combined with neural mobilization program. The Cobb angle, Angle of Trunk Rotation and the functional ability were investigated by x- ray, scoliometer device, and the Arabic version of the scoliosis research society-22r (SRS-22r) questionnaire respectively, at the beginning and at the end of the treatment program. Results. there was significant decrease of both ATR and cobb angles at post treatment in compare to pre-treatment in all groups (P-value < 0.001). Also, there was a significant difference of the mean values of the “post” test between (group A versus C only) for both ATR and cobb angle (P = 0.01 & 0.003 respectively) and this significant decrease in favor of group (C) than other groups. However, for SRS-22r scores, there was no significant difference of the mean values of the “post” test among groups (P = 0.85).

Conclusion. Adding ESWT combined with neural mobilization program to PSSE in management of AIS have significant improvements in cobb angle and Angle of Trunk Rotation.

Key words:

scoliosis, shockwave therapy, neural mobilization