"Koshimagari Exercise" for Adult Spinal Deformity in Older Adults: Assessment of Home-Based Exercise Outcomes in a Prospective Multicenter Study

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Introduction: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is prevalent among older adults, considerably affecting their quality of life. Although surgical interventions are effective, they have high complication rates and medical costs. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of nonsurgical treatments (e.g., physical therapy) in patients with ASD. This study aimed to investigate the impact of "Koshimagari exercise," a specific home-based exercise regimen designed for patients with ASD, and to evaluate its effects on clinical outcomes in older adults.

Methods: A total of 144 participants aged 50-80 years with chronic low back pain (LBP) due to spinal deformities were included in this multicenter prospective study. Qualified physiotherapists conducted intervention sessions at the hospital once a week, and self-exercise was performed at home three times a week. After 3 months, the frequency of self-exercise at home increased to four times a week. Clinical evaluations were conducted using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), five-level classification system of EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D), Japanese edition of Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r), and visual analog scale (VAS) for LBP at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months. Radiographic evaluations were performed in standing and supine positions.

Results: Of 130 participants who provided written informed consent, 98 completed the 6-month follow-up and were included in the analysis. Significant improvements observed in ODI, EQ-5D, and VAS scores were observed at 3 months, with SRS-22r scores improving throughout the study period. Radiographically, there were significant differences in the sagittal vertical axis and pelvic tilt at 12 months. Sufficient compliance with the self-exercise program was reported by 96%, 86%, and 73% of participants at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively.

Conclusions: The "Koshimagari Exercise" program led to significant short-term improvements in health-related quality of life and pain among elderly patients with ASD. This home-based self-exercise program is an excellent nonsurgical treatment option for patients with ASD.