Carman D, Roach J W, Speck G, Wenger D R, Herring J A
J Pediatr Orthop. 1985 Jan-Feb;5(1):65-8. doi: 10.1097/01241398-198501000-00011.
Specific exercises designed to strengthen trunk muscles are an integral part of most Milwaukee brace treatment protocols. To assess the effectiveness of these exercises, we established a prospective study evaluating a closely monitored exercise program coordinated with the use of a Milwaukee brace. Between 1973 and 1979, 24 girls treated with a Milwaukee brace for documented progression of primary right thoracic idiopathic scoliosis were selected for the study. All patients were instructed to perform a standard set of exercises based on the program of Blount and Moe (The Milwaukee Brace [Williams and Wilkins, 1973]). Twelve patients who were regular exercisers constituted the exercise group; 12 patients noncompliant in performing regular exercises composed the control group. Both groups remained faithful brace wearers. No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding age at onset, initial curve degree, skeletal maturity, total time in brace, or general activity level. There was no statistically significant difference in curve improvement between the two groups (p = 0.95). This preliminary study suggests that the Milwaukee brace alone is as effective in halting curve progression as a Milwaukee brace plus standard prescribed exercises.
旨在增强躯干肌肉的特定锻炼是大多数密尔沃基支具治疗方案的重要组成部分。为了评估这些锻炼的效果，我们开展了一项前瞻性研究，对与密尔沃基支具使用相配合的密切监测的锻炼计划进行评估。在1973年至1979年期间，选取了24名因原发性右胸特发性脊柱侧弯病情有记录进展而接受密尔沃基支具治疗的女孩进行研究。所有患者均按照布朗特和莫伊的方案（《密尔沃基支具》[威廉姆斯与威尔金斯出版社，1973年]）接受一套标准锻炼指导。12名经常锻炼的患者组成锻炼组；12名不坚持进行常规锻炼的患者组成对照组。两组患者均持续佩戴支具。两组在发病年龄、初始侧弯度数、骨骼成熟度、佩戴支具的总时长或一般活动水平方面均未发现显著差异。两组之间在侧弯改善方面没有统计学上的显著差异（p = 0.95）。这项初步研究表明，单独使用密尔沃基支具在阻止侧弯进展方面与密尔沃基支具加标准规定锻炼同样有效。
