Affiliations: [a] Faculty of Physical Therapy, University of Physical
Education, Wrocław, Poland
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Joanna Anwajler, Akademia Wychowania
Fizycznego we Wrocławiu, Wydział Fizjoterapii, ul.
Rzeźbiarska 4, 51-629 Wrocław, Poland. Tel. +48 71 347 36 30;
Fax: +48 71 347 36 09; E-mail: liwosze2@tlen.pl
Abstract: Objective: To examine the influence of the spinal contour changes on
the functioning of trunk muscles in children with idiopathic scoliosis. Background: In the early stage of scoliosis progression,
changes in the sagittal plane often manifest themselves in curving in the
lumbar lordosis and curving out of the thoracal scoliosis. An increase or
decrease in the size of anteroposterior spinal curvatures may disturb
functioning of the trunk muscles. Method: Thirty five girls (mean age: 14.7 ± 2.3 yr) with
idiopathic scoliosis took part in this study. In terms of location, thoracal
scoliosis was dominant. Photogrammetry with automatic Moiré fringe analysis
system was used to assess the spinal contour. Activity of the spinal flexors
and extensors was tested isokinetically at 3 angular velocities: 60, 90 and
120°/s. The measured force-velocity parameters were analysed according
to location of the scoliosis (primary thoracal or primary thoraco-lumbar
scoliosis), the size of the deformity and posture type: lordotic, kyphotic or
equivalent (balanced) (a posture type, where thoracic kyphosis and lumbar
lordosis are of similar size – they are balanced). Results and conclusions: A step-by-step discriminant analysis
indicated that parameters associated with muscle endurance were the most
diversified regardless of the division criterion applied. It was also revealed
that functioning of the trunk muscles was related to the spine asymmetry in the
frontal plane as well as on the spinal contour in the sagittal plane.
