Exercise Ball Gymnastics as a Method of Improving Physical Fitness in Scoliosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercise ball gymnastics on the functional state of the respiratory system and the overall level of physical fitness in girls aged 18-19 years with grade 1 scoliosis. Material and Methods — The study included 62 female students aged 18-19 years with grade 1 scoliosis. Participants were divided into 2 groups: an experimental group (EG; n=32) that participated in exercise ball gymnastics and a control group (CG; n=30) that followed the standard university physical education program. The state of the respiratory system and level of physical fitness were assessed. Results — In the EG, vital capacity (VC) increased by 16% (P=0.048), and expiratory reserve volume (ERV) increased by 38% (P<0.001). Minute ventilation (MV) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) also increased by 18% and 27%, respectively (P=0.046 and P<0.001), and maximum tidal volume (TVmax) increased by 27% (P<0.001). In the CG, significant changes occurred in ERV, MVV, and TVmax, with increases of 23%, 16%, and 16%, respectively (P<0.001, P=0.006, and P=0.005). Indicators of overall physical fitness in the EG improved significantly in all tests except forward bending. In the CG, significant improvements were observed in the 2,000-m walk (11%; P=0.032) and push-ups on knees (24%; P=0.003). Both groups showed significant improvements in standard and sharpened Romberg’s tests. Conclusion — The exercise ball gymnastics method used in this study positively influenced respiratory function indicators and physical fitness levels in students with grade 1 scoliosis, supporting its recommendation for physical education classes in individuals with this condition.