Klapp method effect on idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents: blind randomized controlled clinical trial.
Diego De Sousa Dantas, Sanderson José Costa De Assis, Marina Pegoraro Baroni and 4 others
PMID 28210027WHAT IT FOUND
Klapp method exercises did not reduce spinal curvature or correct body asymmetry in adolescents with suspected scoliosis.
Back extensor strength increased, but the control group also improved, so the exercise alone did not cause this change.
Key findings
01The intervention did not produce a significant difference in spine extensor muscle strength compared to the inactive control group.
02The intervention did not significantly reduce the gibbosity angle compared to the control group, although the difference approached significance.
03Other angular and linear postural measurements did not change after the experimental protocol.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study was very small, with only 22 participants completing the trial, which limits the power to detect true differences. Scoliosis severity was not measured using X-rays (Cobb angle), so the exact degree of curvature in participants is unknown. There was no long-term follow-up to assess if the effects persisted after the intervention ended. The control group showed some improvement in muscle strength, making it difficult to attribute any gains solely to the exercise program.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the p=0.08 result for gibbosity angle as evidence that the Klapp method works. This was not statistically significant, and the study was underpowered. The lack of significant difference in muscle strength compared to controls means the exercise did not provide a clear benefit over doing nothing.