Adjunct and Technology-Enhanced Physiotherapy Approaches for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Scoping Review

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional spinal deformity that develops in otherwise healthy adolescents, characterized by lateral curvature and vertebral rotation. AIS can lead to postural asymmetry, trunk deformity, impaired spinal mobility, pain, reduced respiratory function, and psychosocial concerns, all of which negatively impact health-related quality of life. Conservative physiotherapy, particularly Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE), plays a key role in preventing curve progression in skeletally immature adolescents. Widely used methods such as Schroth, SEAS, and Lyon approaches aim to improve three-dimensional posture, muscular balance, neuromotor control, and respiratory mechanics. With advancements in technology and digital health, adjunct and technology-enhanced physiotherapy strategies, including telerehabilitation, app-guided exercises, video-game–assisted programs, and virtual reality platforms have been increasingly applied to support PSSE. These interventions may improve adherence, exercise precision, and engagement, particularly in adolescents with limited access to specialized scoliosis care. However, the evidence remains heterogeneous in terms of protocols, supervision, outcomes measured, and study designs. This scoping review aims to systematically map and synthesize the current literature on physiotherapy-based, adjunct, and technology-supported interventions for adolescents with AIS. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported using PRISMA-ScR, the review will: Summarize the types of physiotherapy-based interventions applied in AIS management. Examine adjunct and technology-enhanced strategies that complement standard PSSE. Analyze reported clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes, including Cobb angle, trunk symmetry, postural alignment, muscle endurance, and quality of life. Identify gaps in the current evidence base, including heterogeneity in protocols, supervision, outcome measures, and long-term follow-up. Provide recommendations for future research and evidence-informed clinical practice in AIS management. Expected Outcomes: A comprehensive evidence map of physiotherapy-based and technology-enhanced interventions for AIS. Identification of the most effective conservative approaches, including multimodal strategies combining PSSE with manual therapy, core stabilization, bracing, or digital tools. Clarification of research gaps to guide future high-quality, longitudinal, and comparative studies. Insights into adherence-enhancing and technology-supported interventions that could optimize conservative scoliosis management. This review will serve as a reference for clinicians, researchers, and educators, supporting the design of effective, evidence-based, and patient-centered physiotherapy programs for adolescents with AIS.