This study aimed to analyze both thoracic and lumbar erector spinae muscle activations during three different types of 3-dimensional elongation exercises in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Participants included 24 adolescents with AIS with a double curve (S type scoliosis), meeting specific criteria, such as a Cobb angle between 10° and 20° and not having undergone surgical or brace treatments. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected to evaluate muscle activation. Three-dimensional scoliosis-specific exercises were applied as 3 different exercise types with TheraBand resistance, manual stimulation, and breathing inducement from convex side to concave side until a symmetric position was maintained with self-correction. Different exercise types significantly affected muscle activity, with the highest activations in TheraBand resistance, followed by manual and just breathing inducement conditions for the convex and concave sides of the thoracic and lumbar regions. This suggests that exercise type significantly impacts muscle engagement in AIS patients, providing valuable insights for targeted exercise program design. Specially, the muscle activation of TheraBand resistive exercise can be an alternative with more muscle activation and motivational effects during a 3D scoliosis-specific exercise program.

Background and Objectives: The infraspinatus muscle is critical for shoulder stability and external rotation, yet achieving selective activation during exercises remains challenging. This study explores the effectiveness of a novel muscle architecture-based position (MABER) compared to traditional exercises in individuals with rounded shoulder posture. Materials and Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study evaluated the selective activation of the infraspinatus during external rotation exercises in participants with rounded shoulder posture. Thirty-two participants (17 males and 15 females) were recruited. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the middle trapezius, posterior deltoid, and infraspinatus muscles in the dominant limb was recorded during four exercise positions: standing external rotation (SER), side-lying external rotation (SDER), scapular plane external rotation (SPER), and MABER. Results: MABER produced the highest infraspinatus activity (p < 0.001), while the lowest activity was observed during SPER (p < 0.001). The SER position generated higher posterior deltoid activity compared to other positions (p < 0.001). The SDER position demonstrated the highest infraspinatus/posterior deltoid activity ratio (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The MABER position can be used as an effective exercise to strengthen the infraspinatus muscle. This study contributes to the literature by comparing MABER with traditional exercises and highlights its potential benefits for individuals with rounded shoulder posture.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of 3D scoliosis exercise training delivered via telerehabilitation on pain, function, and disability in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis during the COVID-19 lockdown. Method: This study was conducted between April 2020 and October 2020 during the pandemic period. The effects of face-to-face exercises before the pandemic and continued exercises via telerehabilitation during the pandemic on overall health, mental well-being, pain, and physical condition were evaluated. Forty-four participants with scoliosis (27 females, 17 males) participated in a 12-week 3D scoliosis exercise program led by an experienced physiotherapist. Assessments were conducted online using SRS-22, SF-36, and ODI scales before and after social isolation. Results: The mean age of the sample was determined to be 14.77±2.38 years. The mean SRS-22 Pain scores before and after the lockdown were 22.11±2.45 and 22.18±2.54, respectively. However, no significant differences were found between the two assessments in terms of SRS-22, SF-36, and ODI scores. Conclusion: Telerehabilitation-based 3D scoliosis exercises may help maintain pain, function, and disability levels in adolescents with scoliosis during lockdowns. Regular home exercise programs are recommended when face-to-face therapy is unavailable. Future research should explore simulation-based training to enhance effectiveness.

Background: Functional balance training is crucial for both rehabilitation and prevention. A Dynamic Innovative Balance System (DIBA) is readily available for utilization in both functional and postural control training in a wide variety of dynamic conditions. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the DIBA and standard balance training tools on dynamic and static balance. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: Thirty-six healthy males (18 to 32 years) were randomly assigned to group DIBA (n=18) or to the control group (n=18) who performed balance training using a balance board, a wobble board, the BOSU, or a soft cushion block for eight weeks. Each participant was assessed before training, at the end of the fourth and eighth week by using the Flamingo balance test (FBT) for assessing static balance ability and using Y-Balance Test (YBT) for dynamic balance ability. Results: No significant differences were found in FBT and YBT between the DIBA and control groups at the end of fourth week (p>0.05). However, at the end of the eighth week, the DIBA group demonstrated statistically significantly better balance ability on the anterior component of YBT (p=0.001) and FBT (p=0.024) than controls. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the DIBA was effective in both static and dynamic balance training and it may be used alongside other balance tools in a clinical setting. Further studies should include in lower extremity problems to confirm that DIBA training adaptations are transferred to clinical improvements in performance and balance qualities. Level of Evidence: 2d