Nearly all patients with scoliosis use hanging bar at their home. They do regularly pull up, even if nobody suggest them. In my literature review, I did not come across any article about it. What do you think? Is there any investigation about hanging a bar for scoliosis? or do you suggest your patients? If so, which mechanism do you based on while suggesting?
Thanks in advance
It depends on the comorbidities, type of scoliosis (idiopathic, congenial structural or functional).
It is not clear where you are getting reports that "everyone" is doing the hanging bar...who and where?
There is little research on the the topic I found a case study reporting stretching but not specific to a bar as you said:
Effects of consecutive application of stretching,
Schroth, and strengthening exercises on Cobb’s
angle and the rib hump in an adult with idiopathic
scoliosis
Jae-Man Yang, PT1, 3), Jung-Hoon Lee, PhD, PT2)*, Dae-Hee Lee, PhD, PT3)
1) Department of Biomedical Health Science, Graduate School, Dong-Eui University, Republic of
Korea
2) Department of Physical Therapy, College of Nursing and Healthcare Sciences, Dong-Eui University:
176 Eomgwangno, Busanjin-gu, Busan 614-714, Republic of Korea
3) Department of Physical Therapy, On General Hospital, Republic of Korea
Abstract. [Purpose] To report the effects of consecutive application of stretching, Schroth, and strengthening ex-
ercises in an adult with idiopathic scoliosis. [Subject] A 26-year-old woman with idiopathic scoliosis, Cobb’s angle
of 20.51°, and back pain. [Methods] The exercise program consisted of 3 sessions: 10 minutes of stretching exer-
cises, 20 minutes of Schroth exercises, and 10 minutes of strengthening exercises. This program was implemented
3 times a week, for 8 weeks. [Results] The thoracic Cobb’s angle decreased from 20.51° to 16.35°, and the rib hump
decreased from 15° to 9°. [Conclusion] Consecutive application of stretching, Schroth, and strengthening exercises
may help reduce Cobb’s angle and the rib hump in adults with idiopathic scoliosis.
Hanging from a bar could be a good option if it is indicated and not painful. It could address some of the factors that the case study shared addressed. As with most physical therapy treatments more than one modality needs to be implemented: stretching, stretching, manual therapy and neuromuscular re-education.
There is no one size fits all!
Thank you for your response.
For instance patients with idiopathic scoliosis. They do regularly at home. They believe it works. I wonder how? Which mechanism is possible to work?
Physiologically, a pull up is a stretch of the latissimus dorsi muscles then it is a strengthening concentric pull up, additionally it is a eccentric or lowering of the body weight back down which has been effective in tendon repair. It makes sense scientifically. Most things that work are not highly researched unless research is funded and interests are there. My clinic uses applied science in anatomy of the body all day creating exercises specifically for the individual. They work, but it is not evidence based by primary literature. Other than stretching and strengthening has been shown to be effective in improving function. There is little evidence on specific exercises.
I understand its benefits physiologically. But what does a pull-up have effect on scoliosis curvature exactly? What kind of curvature or person with scoliosis or age-group should perform? and Why exactly in scoliosis? @JeffreyJuraska
After researching and asking experts there has been little to no support for the questions you have about a pull up regarding scoliosis exercises found at this time. The best evidence available is in this report link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3292965/
We follow SOSORT guidelines. There has been no explanation or proof about pull ups in any guidelines. But as I say, it is quite common around patients.
Thank you for your contribution.
Best wishes
If there is something especially beneficial a case study would be helpful to research community to begin interest in the benefits.
Thank you for the invitation to the question! Happy New Year!
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