title: A preliminary study to evaluate postural improvement in subjects with scoliosis: active therapeutic movement version 2 device and home exercises using the Mulligan's mobilization-with-movement concept.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine if the use of Active Therapeutic Movement Version 2 (ATM2) device and home exercises using the Mulligan's mobilization-with-movement concept by subjects with scoliosis would result in postural improvement and to document any changes in trunk range of motion and quality of life.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-three subjects between the ages of 12 to 75 years were recruited for the study. Each subject underwent a low back evaluation along with specific measurements for their scoliosis. Subjects participated in a 4-week intervention, 2 times a week consisting of treatment utilizing the ATM2 and were also given a home exercise program to mimic the specific movement(s) they performed on the ATM2. Photographic assessment of posture was taken before and after the intervention. Subjects were surveyed during the initial assessment and again at the final intervention using the following outcome measures: Fear Avoidance Belief Questionnaire, Short-Form Health Survey-36, Oswestry Disability Index, and a Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results were significant for most of the variables measured. Subjects gained improvement in spinal ranges of motion for all directions except for flexion and extension (most subjects had reference range of flexion and extension at the beginning of the study). Most subjects had improved pelvic alignment after the intervention. Before and after photographs demonstrated improved posture. Subjective measurements of pain, disability, and quality of life improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this preliminary study showed improvement for selected variables. The use of ATM2 and home exercises using the Mulligan's mobilization-with-movement concept by subjects with scoliosis appears to be a potentially viable conservative treatment alternative to address various findings associated with scoliosis, including posture improvement.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Sacramento State University, Physical Therapy Department, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA. Electronic address: lewisc@csus.edu.
authors.forename: Clare
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Sacramento State University, Mathematics and Statistics, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA.
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Diaz
authors.affiliation: MPT, Student Sacramento State University, Physical Therapy, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA.
authors.forename: Geoff
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Lopez
authors.affiliation: MPT, Student Sacramento State University, Physical Therapy, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Marki
authors.affiliation: MPT, Student Sacramento State University, Physical Therapy, Sacramento State University, Sacramento, CA.
authors.forename: Ben
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Olivio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011187:Posture; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Body Image; Posture; Scoliosis; Therapeutics