Behavioral treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis.

A behavioral treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis was tested with 27 adolescent patients (19 scoliosis, eight kyphosis patients) to determine in which cases the conspicuous and restraining brace treatment could be replaced. In 22 compliant patients, posture biofeedback (PB) was highly effective compared to five non-compliant patients. Biologically more mature scoliosis patients (menarche at the beginning of treatment) seemed to profit more from PB. With kyphosis patients the PB treatment resulted in rapid straightening of the spine and removal of structural deformities of Scheuermann's disease. PB may serve as an unobtrusive yet effective treatment alternative for both juvenile scoliosis and kyphosis.