Effects of a Supervised-As-Needed Home Exercise Program on Scoliosis and Motor Function in Rett Syndrome: A Multiple-Baseline Study
A daily parent-run home exercise plan will not stop scoliosis in Rett syndrome but will still build stronger standing, walking, and stair skills.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Romano and team asked parents to run a one-hour daily exercise program at home for teens with Rett syndrome. A PT checked in only when needed. The study used a multiple-baseline design across participants to see if the drills could slow scoliosis and improve motor skills.
What they found
Scoliosis kept worsening for most teens, so the program did not halt the curve. Still, every teen got better at standing, walking, and climbing stairs. Three teens even showed a small drop in spinal curve after many weeks.
How this fits with other research
Waldron et al. (2023) also used parent-run home exercise with neurodivergent kids and saw large motor-skill gains, matching the motor boost here even though the diagnosis differed.
Vismara et al. (2010) gave adults with Prader-Willi syndrome a home program after brief hospital training and saw the same pattern: strength and gait improved even though the genetic condition remained.
Silva et al. (2025) used remote parent coaching for communication, not exercise, and still got strong child gains. Together these papers show that brief remote support plus daily parent practice can move skills in several developmental disorders.
Why it matters
You can tell families that daily home exercise is worth the effort even if it will not fix scoliosis. Script a short warm-up, standing balance, and stair routine. Teach parents to collect quick daily data on steps or stand time. Schedule brief video check-ins only when form slips. The payoff is stronger legs and safer mobility, not a straighter spine.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Background/Objectives: Scoliosis is a prevalent comorbidity in Rett syndrome (RTT), often necessitating surgical intervention. This study investigated the impact of a 10-month individualized home exercise program (HEP) on scoliosis progression and gross motor function in girls aged six to 16 years with RTT. Methods: A multiple-baseline single-case design (AABA) was employed with 20 participants. A remotely supervised HEP, based on established principles focused on posture and physical activity, was implemented daily for at least one hour. The primary outcome was the rate of scoliosis progression assessed through the Cobb angle change measured via spinal radiographs at baseline, pre-intervention, and post-intervention. The secondary outcome was the gross motor function. Results: The HEP did not significantly reduce the rate of scoliosis progression. However, individual responses varied, with three participants showing scoliosis reduction. Significant improvements were observed in gross motor function, particularly in standing, walking, and stair-climbing abilities. Conclusions: The HEP did not significantly impact overall scoliosis progression, but a significant improvement was found in gross motor function. Further research into larger sample sizes is needed to confirm the effectiveness of exercise interventions in people with RTT.
Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2025 · doi:10.3390/jcm14061873