Investigating the effectiveness of virtual reality supported core stabilization exercises and basic body awareness therapy in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine measuring 10° or more and is classified into functional and structural types. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal deformity involving abnormal curvature and vertebral rotation in individuals aged 10 years and older without a known cause. This study aimed to assess the effects of core stabilization exercises, virtual reality-supported core stabilization, and body awareness exercises on spinal curvature angle, trunk rotation, spinal pain, spinal flexibility, trunk muscle strength and endurance, perception of cosmetic deformity, quality of life, and balance parameters in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. An experimental research model was applied in the study, with 40 participants divided into four groups: control group (home exercise) (n=10), core stabilization + home exercise (n=10), virtual reality + home exercise (n=10), and body awareness therapy + home exercise (n=10). Each group followed its assigned regimen for 10 weeks. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 with suitable statistical methods. Results indicated significant pre- and post-treatment changes in Cobb angle and trunk rotation in all groups. Notably, the core stabilization + home exercise and body awareness + home exercise groups showed greater changes in Cobb angle and trunk rotation than the home exercise group alone. All groups demonstrated improvements in forward bending difference, pain intensity, and WRVAS scores, with the greatest improvement in forward bending difference and WRVAS score occurring in the core stabilization + home exercise group. Pain intensity showed the largest reduction in the body awareness therapy + home exercise group. The SRS-22 scale total score improved in the core stabilization + home exercise, virtual reality + home exercise, and body awareness therapy + home exercise groups. Only the body awareness + home exercise group showed significant increases in right and left balance parameters. Trunk endurance and push-up parameters for trunk strength improved across all groups, while sit-up strength increased in all groups except the home exercise group. In conclusion, in individuals diagnosed with AIS, core stabilization exercises are effective in improving spinal curvature, trunk rotation, spinal flexibility, perception of cosmetic deformity, trunk muscle strength, and endurance parameters. However, basic body awareness therapy has been found to be more effective than other treatment methods in addressing pain and balance parameters. Regarding quality of life, both core stabilization exercises and basic body awareness therapy result in similar improvements. Key Terms: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Core Stabilization Exercises, Virtual Reality Exercises, Basic Body Awareness Therapy