PURPOSE: Traction-based therapies are non-invasive and probably cost-effective and have received interest recently. This study was conducted to compare two training programs, traction and stretching exercises, in rehabilitation of moderate scoliotic patients. SUBJECTS: Forty patients who were 15 to 25 years of age and had moderate scoliosis (Cobb's angle of 20 to 40 degrees) were randomized to either a stretching exercises group (n = 20) or mechanical traction group (n = 20). METHODS: All the patients were informed about the testing and training procedure and were allocated randomly into two groups. Both the groups received a common physical therapy program of 3 sessions a week for 3 months. In addition, the stretching exercises group received stretching of muscles on the concave side with postural instructions for activities of daily living. The mechanical traction group received mechanical traction of the lumbar spine with postural instructions for activities of daily living. The outcome measures used were anteroposterior view of loading x-ray to detect any change in the Cobb's angle of the lower spine, tape measurement to detect forward flexion of the trunk by using fingertip-to-floor test (FFT), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain measurement. RESULTS: There was more significant improvement of the Cobb's angle in the stretching exercises group than in the mechanical traction group. There was no significant difference in VAS and FFT values between the groups. CONCLUSION: Stretching exercises led to significant improvement in the Cobb's angle and resulted in improvement of scoliotic curves in moderate scoliotic patients.

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