Effectiveness of Corrective Exercise Programs on Musculoskeletal Function and Recovery in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients with Cerebral Palsy, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, and Scoliosis: A Systematic Review

Background and Aim: Musculoskeletal disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and scoliosis significantly impair children's mobility and quality of life, often requiring hospitalization and comprehensive rehabilitation. Corrective exercise programs are frequently used to improve muscle strength, flexibility, posture, and reduce pain in these populations. Despite their widespread application, there is limited consensus on their overall effectiveness and best practices. This systematic review aims to evaluate the evidence on the impact of corrective exercise interventions on musculoskeletal function and recovery in hospitalized pediatric patients diagnosed with CP, JIA, or scoliosis. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, and Cochrane Library databases for studies published up to July ۲۰۲۵. Keywords included “corrective exercise," "pediatric rehabilitation," "cerebral palsy,” “juvenile idiopathic arthritis," "scoliosis," and "hospitalized children." Inclusion criteria were original peer-reviewed articles focusing on hospitalized children (۰-۱۸ years) with CP, JIA, or scoliosis, assessing corrective exercise programs through quantitative musculoskeletal outcomes. Excluded were studies on outpatient care, surgical interventions alone, reviews, and case reports. Two reviewers independently screened ۱,۱۲۳ articles, and ۱۹ met the inclusion criteria. Results: The included studies involved ۸ on CP, ۶ on JIA, and ۵ on scoliosis, with sample sizes from ۳۰ to ۲۰۰ patients and intervention durations ranging from ۴ weeks to ۶ months. CP patients showed significant improvements in motor function, with Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) scores increasing by ۱۲-۱۸%. JIA patients experienced ۲۵-۴۰% reductions in joint pain (Visual Analog Scale) and ۱۵-degree improvements in joint range of motion. Scoliosis studies reported average Cobb angle reductions of ۵-۷ degrees and enhanced trunk muscle endurance. Variability in protocols and outcome measures limited cross-study comparisons. Only six studies provided follow-up data beyond three months. Conclusion: Corrective exercise programs demonstrate effectiveness in improving musculoskeletal function and reducing symptoms in hospitalized pediatric patients with CP, JIA, and scoliosis. However, heterogeneity among studies and limited long-term data highlight the need for standardized, high- quality trials to establish optimal exercise protocols and promote sustained recovery.

کلیدواژه ها:

Corrective exercise ، Pediatric rehabilitation ، Cerebral palsy ، Juvenile idiopathic arthritis ، Scoliosis