Purpose Conservative approaches such as Schroth exercises and core stabilization exercises showed effective results in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. This study aimed to critically evaluate the magnitude effect of Schroth and core stabilization exercises using a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods This study has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. The following three databases were searched for articles collection: Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The key search terms were: Schroth exercise, core exercise, idiopathic scoliosis, Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation, and quality of life. The articles included in our study was limited to original articles written only in English that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) Participants with idiopathic scoliosis; (2) Schroth exercises and core stabilization exercises used as interventions; (3) Cobb angle or angle of trunk rotation or quality of life used as outcome measures. Results Thirteen studies were included. Depending on the outcome measured, the magnitude effect of Schroth and core stabilization exercises ranged from small to almost large as follows: Cobb angle (SMD = – 0.376, p ˂ 0.001); angle of trunk rotation (SMD = – 0.268, p = 0.104); quality of life (SMD = 0.774, p = 0.002). By subgroup analysis, Schroth method showed a larger effect size than core stabilization exercises. Conclusion The current systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that both Schroth method and core stabilization exercises have a positive effect in subjects with idiopathic scoliosis. Subgroup analysis showed that the Schroth method had a larger effect size than the core stabilization exercises.

(1) Background: Idiopathic scoliosis can be defined as a complex three-dimensional deformity of the spine and trunk, which occurs in basically healthy children. Schroth scoliosis-specific exercises have shown good results in reducing idiopathic scoliosis progression. This study aimed to critically evaluate the effect size of Schroth’s method through a systematic review and meta-analysis. (2) Methods: Four databases were included in the search: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The following keywords were used: “Schroth exercise”, “idiopathic scoliosis”, “Cobb angle”, “angle of trunk rotation”, and “quality of life”. Only articles written in English that met the following criteria were included in our study: subjects who had idiopathic scoliosis, the Schroth method was applied, and Cobb angle or angle of trunk rotation or quality of life as outcomes. (3) Results: Ten randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The effect size of the Schroth exercise ranged from almost moderate to large, for the outcomes used: Cobb angle (ES = −0.492, p ˂ 0.005); ATR (ES = −0.471, p = 0.013); QoL (ES = 1.087, p ˂ 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The current meta-analysis indicates that the Schroth method has a positive effect on subjects with idiopathic scoliosis.

Lumbar lordosis is one of the most important parts of the spine, which is of special importance due to its unique position and direct contact with the pelvis. The aim of this study was to combine the results of several studies and to evaluate the magnitude of the effect of different Lumbar lordotic angle correction programs through meta-analysis. This study has been developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement. Four databases were searched for articles collection: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The key search terms were: “Lumbar Lordotic angle”, “Lordosis”, “Hyperlordosis”, “Corrective exercise”, and “Low back pain. “The articles included in our study were limited to original articles written only in English that met the following inclusion criteria: (1) participants with lumbar lordosis or hyperlordosis or low back pain; (2) different programs of corrective exercises were applied; (3) Lumbar lordotic angle used as outcome measures. Ten studies are included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The effect size for the Lumbar lordotic angle outcome was (SMD = 0.550, p ˂ 0.001, moderate effect size). Subgroup analysis for Lumbar lordotic angle: Subgroup Younger group (SMD = 0.640, p ˂ 0.001), Subgroup Older group, (SMD = 0.520, p ˂ 0.001). Subgroup Treatment (SMD = 0.527, p ˂ 0.001), Subgroup No treatment (SMD = 0.577, p = 0.002). This was the only outcome assessed in our analysis. The current meta-analysis indicates that different correction methods have a positive effect on subjects with lumbar lordosis or hyperlordosis. In the following research, we should try to determine which corrective methods have the best effects.

Introduction. Kyphosis is a deformity of the spine characterized by excessive backward curvature of the thoracic spine. The normal range of thoracic kyphosis in teenagers is 20 - 40 degrees, and the diagnosis of hyper-kyphosis is beyond 45 degrees. The aim of this review was to assess the magnitude of the effects of various corrective exercises on kyphotic angle reduction. Material and Methods. The Web of Science and PubMed were searched to retrieve relevant literature. Ten studies were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. Results. The magnitude of the effects of corrective exercises on the kyphotic angle correction was estimated and the results showed a statistical significance in standardized mean difference (-0.504, P < 0.001). The analysis of the subgroups regarding the age showed a heterogeneity that was not statistically significant and the magnitude of the effects in different age groups. Conclusion. The results of our meta-analysis may be useful to many physiotherapists and clinicians in solving problems in patients with kyphosis and hyper-kyphosis.

Combat sports are very demanding in terms of physical fitness as well as the risk of injury. Elite athletes during daily training due to specific movements can develop significant muscle asymmetry that can affect injury. The aim of this study was to systematically review the existing literature with respect to total average value of hamstrings- to-quadriceps (H/Q) 60°·s-1 and H/Q 180°·s-1 in judo, karate, taekwondo and wrestling. We placed special emphasis on sex-based differences and possible asymmetries between legs in terms of isokinetic performance. This document was developed and reported in accordance with the Guidelines for Preferred Reports for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA). Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for the relevant studies. Studies were included in the review if they were original and written in English and had to have H/Q ratio measured as an outcome. In total, data from 243 athletes from eleven studies included studies was analysed. The Mean of H/Q 60°·s-1 for all sports were: 58.33% for the right leg and 58.91% for the left leg. Women had higher values: 59.38% vs. 57.42% for the right leg and 61.35% vs. 56.56% for the left leg. The Mean of H/Q 180°·s-1 for all sports were: 71.44% for the right leg and 71.35% for the left leg. Women had higher values: 75.76% vs. 69.04% for the right leg and 73.39% vs. 70.33% for the left leg. All these values, combined for all sports, and divided into subgroups according to gender, show that they are within the recommended values. Combined results for all included studies showed that there was no asymmetry between the left and right leg. According to the results of the balance of the mentioned agonists and antagonists, which are crucial for knee joint stabilization during dynamic muscle contractions, we can conclude that athletes in combat sports do not represent a risk group.