Article

Despite the positive effects of spinal braces on postural stability,
they may constrain movement, resulting in poor balance control in patients with
adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Therefore, assessment of postural dynamics
may aid in designing new less-constraining braces.
OBJECTIVES: The effects of a
spinal brace on postural stability and Cobb angle were investigated in this
study. METHODS: Thirteen pediatric patients (10 females, three males) with AIS
were recruited to participate in the study. Cobb angle was assessed by X-ray
analyses, and postural stability was tested by computerized dynamic posturography
in braced and unbraced conditions. A polyethylene underarm corrective spinal
brace was fabricated for the subjects. RESULTS: Thoracic and lumbar curvature
decreased to 18.88 +/- 11.73 degrees and 17.70 +/- 10.58 degrees , respectively,
after bracing (p < 0.05). Lower equilibrium scores were observed in the "eyes
closed" condition and higher scores in the "eyes closed with a swaying support"
condition; higher composite equilibrium scores were also observed for the sensory
organization test (p < 0.05) in the braced condition. Lower scores were observed
for the "toes-up adaptation test" in the braced condition (p < 0.05). In the
braced condition, the reaction time was slower in the right-backward direction
and movement velocity was higher in the right-front direction on the limits of
stability test (p < 0.05). Furthermore, lower on-axis velocity during
forward/backward dynamic balance control was observed in the braced condition (p
< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Wearing a spinal brace improved postural stability in terms
of increased proprioception, equilibrium performance, and rhythmic movement
ability in patients with AIS.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS