Forces exerted during exercises by patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis wearing fiberglass braces.
OBJECTIVE
To quantify and compare the forces exerted by scoliosis patients in fiberglass braces during exercises usually prescribed in departments where casts are made. The exercises are intended to increase corrective forces, activate muscles, stimulate ventilation and help the patient psychologically.


METHODS
Outpatient care.


METHODS
17 consecutive adolescent patients wearing fiberglass brace for idiopathic scoliosis.


METHODS
Exercises (kyphotization, rotation, "escape from the pad") in different positions (sitting, supine, on all fours).


METHODS
Pressure detected by the F-Socket System between the rib hump and the pad of the brace.


RESULTS
In static and dynamic conditions, the position adopted did not alter the total pressure exerted by the brace, although the part of the sensor stimulated did vary. Kyphotization and rotation exercises produced a significant increase of pressure (+ 58.9% and +29.8%, respectively); however, the "escape from the pad" exercise, despite its name, did not produce any significant variation of pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
Exercises in the brace allow adjunctive forces to be applied on soft tissues and through them, presumably on the spine. Different exercises can be chosen to obtain different actions. Physical exercises and sporting activities are useful in mechanical terms, although other important actions should not be overlooked.
Romano
Michele
M
ISICO (Italian Scientific Spine Institute), Via Carlo Crivelli 20, 20122, Milan, Italy. michele.romano@isico.it
Carabalona
Roberta
R
Petrilli
Silvia
S
Sibilla
Paolo
P
Negrini
Stefano
S