Effectiveness of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization Breathing Exercises Combined With Schroth Exercises in the Treatment of Moderate Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity and may impair respiratory function. This study examined whether adding Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) breathing exercises to Schroth exercises improved pain, Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), respiratory muscle strength, and quality of life. Thirty adolescents were randomized to the Schroth-DNS group (S-DNSG) or Schroth group (SG); 26 completed the study and were analyzed ( n = 13 per group). Both groups completed an eight-week Schroth program three times weekly; the S-DNSG additionally received DNS breathing exercises. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Cobb angle, ATR, maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), and Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Between-group differences were evaluated using baseline-adjusted ANCOVA. Both groups improved in outcomes ( p < 0.05). After adjustment, VAS and thoracic ATR were lower in the S-DNSG than in the SG ( p < 0.001, ηp ² = 0.622; p = 0.010, ηp ² = 0.256, respectively). Lumbar ATR also favored the S-DNSG at the mean baseline value ( p = 0.004, ηp ² = 0.318), although this effect varied with baseline lumbar ATR (group × baseline interaction, p = 0.006). No significant adjusted between-group differences were observed for Cobb angle, MIP, MEP, or SRS-22 scores. Both programs improved outcomes over eight weeks. Adding DNS breathing exercises may provide short-term benefits for pain and selected trunk rotation outcomes. Larger trials with longer-term follow-up are needed to confirm these findings. Trial Registration: NCT06682702 ( ClinicalTrials.gov ), registered on 6 November 2024.