Analysis of the Structure of the Torso in the Frontal Plane in Girls with Rett Syndrome Taking into Account Their Functional Status.
BACKGROUND
Rett syndrome is a rare developmental disorder with a genetic background, and scoliosis is one of its many complications. The aim of the present study was to assess the structure of the torso in the frontal plane in RTT. It was assumed that asymmetry of the structure of the torso in the frontal plane would be smaller in girls who are able to maintain a vertical body position.


METHODS
The study included 14 girls previously diagnosed with RTT aged between 3 and 15 years, who were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 comprised 5 girls who were not able to maintain a vertical position. Group 2 comprised 9 girls who were able to maintain a vertical position. Body mass and weight were measured with an electronic scales and a height measuring device. The Body Mass Index was calculated. Photogrammetry was used to assess the structure of the torso in the frontal plane. The study results were subjected to a statistical analysis involving the calculation of the arithmetic mean (x), standard deviation (sd), coefficient of variation (v%) and significance of differences (p).


RESULTS
Left-sided asymmetries were most common in both groups. All angles and linear values were higher in Group 1. 80% of the subjects in Group 1 demonstrated significant asymmetry of the pelvic tilt angle (PTA). There were no statistically significant differences between Group 1 and 2 regarding all study indices.


CONCLUSIONS
1. The study demonstrated that asymmetry of the torso in the frontal plane was common in the girls with RTT. 2. Torso asymmetry was more pronounced in girls with a poorer functional status. 3. Analysis of BMI values demonstrated a poor nutritional status of the girls.
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Department, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Academy of Physical Education in Wrocław, Poland.
Monika
M
Małachowska-Sobieska
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Department, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Academy of Physical Education in Wrocław, Poland.
Katarzyna
K
Barczyk-Pawelec
Hippotherapy and NDT-Bobath Therapy Centre "Sobieska", Bukowina, Poland.
Zuzanna
Z
Marcmiszyn
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Department, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Academy of Physical Education in Wrocław, Poland.
Ewa
E
Demczuk-Włodarczyk
Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy Department, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Academy of Physical Education in Wrocław, Poland.
Beata
B
Skolimowska
Hippotherapy and NDT-Bobath Therapy Centre "Sobieska", Bukowina, Poland.
Anna
A
Maćków
Polish Society Supporting People with Rett Syndrome, Poland.
Agnieszka
A
Miler
D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D004856:Postural Balance; D015518:Rett Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D060726:Torso / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D016138:Walking