The effect of spinal bracing on stability in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) may change the physical orientation of body segments and affect balance in individuals. Spinal/trunk brace is commonly used for the management of idiopathic scoliosis. The aim of this study was to compare the standing stability of AIS patients with and without a brace, and to compare them with healthy subjects. METHOD: Twenty subjects (10 healthy subjects and 10 AIS with thoracolumbar/lumbar curve) were recruited for the study. Stability of the scoliotic subjects was evaluated while standing with and without orthosis. A Kistler force plate was employed to estimate the mediolateral and anteroposterior displacements of center of pressure. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that there was no significant difference between center of pressure variables in healthy subjects and scoliotic patients. Moreover, trunk bracing only influenced the center of pressure (CoP) excursion in mediolateral direction (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although further research studies are needed, results showed that there was no difference between stability of scoliotic and normal subjects. Moreover, the use of orthosis did not improve their standing stability.