Introduction: The impact of scoliosis bracing on trunk muscle endurance (TME) is unknown. ScoliBrace (SB) uses a 3D over corrective approach. ScoliBalance (SBE) is a scoliosis specific exercise program. SB and SBE were used to treat adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and results of TME testing are reported.
Objectives: To assess TME in AIS treated with SB and SBE.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of TME of 33 AIS, mean age 13.24 years (SD=1.64), mean Cobb angle 38.97.6° (SD= 9.49). Inclusion criteria: AIS, combined SB and SBE treatment. Exclusion criteria: spinal surgery, scoliosis ›60°. Trunk muscle extensor endurance (TE) and abdominal muscle endurance (AE) tests were performed at initial assessment and then at averages of 6.6 and 24.4 weeks of treatment. Data was analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Stata version 15.1.
Results: TE improved significantly (P<0.001) from a median of 87 seconds at both short and medium-term intervals. AE also showed significant improvement between baseline and short-term follow-up and non-significant improvement at medium-term.
Discussion: TME improved by 106% using SBE and SB. Although these findings cannot be attributed to either brace or exercises, it demonstrates that AIS can improve TE and AE while using SB and SBE. Future research is required to determine which part of treatment, or both, is contributing to this improvement.
Conclusion: TME improved in AIS using SB and SBE.
Significance: It is likely that trunk muscle function will not deteriorate in AIS with this combined treatment.