Comparison of the Effectiveness of Scoliosis-Specific Exercises in Girls and Boys with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is reported as the most common type of scoliosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of scoliosis-specific exercises on the Cobb angle and muscle strength in AIS, comparing the outcomes between both gender groups. This study was conducted with a total of 34 individuals (17 girls, 17 boys) aged 10 to 14 years, all diagnosed with AIS of the S-type, and Cobb angles ranging from 15° to 30°. The Cobb angle was measured before and after the intervention; additionally, the patients were evaluated using the Modified Push-up, Sit-up, Lateral Bridge, Trunk Flexor Endurance, and Sorensen tests. Scoliosis-specific exercises based on the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) approach were performed in front of a mirror, on a scoliosis bar, and using an exercise ball, in four sessions over an eight-week period. Improvement in both the thoracic and lumbar Cobb angle was observed in both groups, with a more significant correction found in males (p < .001). In all muscle strength tests, improvements in test durations were noted in both the male and female groups. However, the times recorded in the Sorensen test and the Modified Push-up test were significantly longer in males than in females (p < .001). These results highlight gender differences in muscle strength and scoliosis severity. BSPTS exercises led to improvements in both Cobb angle and muscle strength in both groups. Additional interventions may be beneficial for achieving further improvements in the treatment of girls with AIS.

Cite this article as: Okur Dündar, Ş., Çağlar, İ., & Apaydın, Z. (2026). Comparison of the effectiveness of scoliosis-specific exercises in girls and boys with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Research in Sports Science, 16, 0082, doi:10.5152/rss.2026.25082