The Effects of Scoliosis on Spinal Muscles Length and Joint Contact Forces

Abstract

Background: Although there are a few studies on kinetic and kinematic parameters of scoliotic subjects, it is still controversial whether gait performance of scoliotic subjects differs from that of normal subjects or not. Moreover, there is lack of information regarding joint contact force of scoliotic on convex and concave sides. Therefore, this study examined these issues. Method: Two groups of children (healthy and children with scoliosis, each group consisting of 5 subjects) participated in this study. The force applied on leg and motions of body parts were evaluated using a Kistler force plate and motion analysis system, respectively. Joint contact forces, muscles length were evaluated in both groups and on both sides (in scoliotic subjects) with OpenSim software. The difference in the parameters between healthy children and scoliotic subjects, and also concave and convex sides, was determined using the independent t test. P value was set at <= 0.05. Results: The results of this study showed that there was no difference between the forces applied on the leg, range of motions of the joints (hip, knee, ankle, pelvic and trunk), muscles length and joint contact force, neither between normal and children with scoliosis, nor between concave and convex sides (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings revealed that scoliosis deformity with curve less than 40 degrees does not have any significant effect on joint contact force, kinetic and kinematic parameters.