Affiliations: [a] Complex Unit of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy | [b] Clinical Laboratory of Experimental Neurorehabilitation, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: T. Paolucci, Complex Unit of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Azienda Policlinico Umberto I, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy. Tel.: +39 347 9338625; Fax.: +39 0649914552; E-mail:teresapaolucci@hotmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The perception of body image and the deformity of the trunk in
patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are a silver lining that
has yet to be discussed in the relevant literature during brace
rehabilitation treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether and how the use of the brace changes
perception of the trunk in patients with AIS by the drawing test. METHODS: We observed 32 subjects with AIS from our Rehabilitation outpatient
clinic and divided them into the brace treatment (BG-16 subjects) and the
non-brace treatment (CG-16 subjects). Trunk perception and quality of life
were evaluated using the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale and Scoliosis
Research Society-22 questionnaire, and the perception of one's back was
measured by the drawing test. RESULTS: Pain was lower in BG versus CG (p= 0.095). Satisfaction with the
treatment was higher in BG than in CG (p= 0.002). Self-image did not differ
significantly between the groups in terms of TAPS. Drawings of the most
severe cases of scoliosis were made by the group without the brace. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the brace corrects the function of the trunk and has
a positive influence on its perception.
Keywords: Body image, Chêneau brace, drawing, TAPS, quality of life
