PURPOSE: This study aims to verify the effects of Pilates exercise using the three-dimensional (3D) Schroth breathing technique on scoliosis patients in comparison with the existing Pilates exercise technique, which uses lateral breathing. METHODS: The subjects were 16 scoliosis patients who went to S fitness center in Daegu, Korea. They were randomly and equally divided into a Schroth Pilates exercise group (SPEG), who performed Pilates exercise using 3D Schroth breathing, and a Pilates exercise group (PEG) who performed Pilates exercise using lateral breathing. The subjects conducted the Pilates exercise three times per week for 12 weeks. Changes in their Cobb's angle, angle of trunk rotation, and chest expansion ability were measured before and after the exercise. RESULTS: Both groups experienced significant improvement in their Cobb's angle, angle of trunk rotation, and chest expansion ability after the exercise (p < 0.05). Between-group comparison after the exercise showed that SPEG's improvement in Cobb's angle, angle of trunk rotation, and chest expansion ability were more significant than those of the PEG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study verified that Pilates exercise using 3D Schroth breathing was more effective in improving scoliosis patients' physical condition than existing Pilates exercise. The researcher anticipates that the 3D Schroth breathing technique will be effectively utilized in other diverse intervention exercises besides Pilates exercise.
Daegu ; Exercise ; Fitness Centers ; Humans ; Korea ; Respiration* ; Scoliosis* ; Thorax