The impact of sports activities on the occurrence and course of spinal deformity in patients with idiopathic scoliosis: a literature review

Objective. To analyze current literature data on the relationship between sports and physical activity and the development and course of spinal deformity in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

Material and Methods. A narrative review of 20 publications selected from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and eLibrary databases without restrictions on language or publication year was performed. The analysis included studies related to the epidemiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the prevalence of spinal deformity among adolescents engaged in various sports, and the effects of physical activity on disease course, functional status, and quality of life of patients. Studies focusing on postoperative management and specific methods of scoliosis correction were excluded.

Results. The analysis did not reveal convincing evidence of a causal relationship between sports activities and the development of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The increased incidence of idiopathic scoliosis observed in certain aesthetic sports is likely due to biological and anthropometric factors, as well as a selection effect, rather than the impact of sports activities. Most studies demonstrate no negative
effect of physical activity on the spinal deformity progression. Regular sports activities are associated with improved physical performance, psycho-emotional state, and quality of life in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

Conclusion. Current data demonstrate the safety of physical activity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Routine restrictions on exercise lack sufficient evidence and may negatively impact patients’ overall well-being and quality of life.

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