Available Evidence Regarding the Effects of Physiotherapeutic Exercises in Early-Onset Congenital Scoliosis: An Integrative Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v27i5.1202Keywords:
Scoliosis; Physiotherapy; Exercise Therapy; Conservative Treatment; Orthoses.Abstract
Introduction: Physiotherapeutic exercises are widely used in the conservative treatment of spinal deformities. In early-onset congenital scoliosis, resulting from vertebral abnormalities that occur during embryonic development, these interventions may contribute to maintaining functionality and quality of life. However, evidence specific to this population remains limited. Objective: To synthesize the available scientific evidence on the effects of physiotherapeutic exercises in the management of early-onset congenital scoliosis. Methods: This integrative literature review adopted a qualitative and descriptive approach and was conducted using the PubMed, SciELO, and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases. The search was performed between March and April 2026 using the descriptors congenital scoliosis, physiotherapy, exercises, and conservative treatment, combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR. Studies published between 2016 and 2026, available in full text in English or Portuguese, and addressing scoliosis-specific physiotherapeutic exercises, with or without bracing, were included. Results: Four studies met the eligibility criteria and comprised the final sample. The findings suggest that scoliosis-specific physiotherapeutic exercises, either alone or combined with bracing, may contribute to controlling curve progression, improving postural alignment, strengthening muscles, and maintaining functionality. The importance of early diagnosis and individualized treatment was also highlighted. However, a scarcity of clinical studies specifically focused on early-onset congenital scoliosis was observed. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests potential benefits of physiotherapeutic exercises in the conservative management of early-onset congenital scoliosis. Nevertheless, more robust clinical studies are needed to strengthen the evidence regarding the effectiveness of these interventions.
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