A Delphi Study on the Evaluation and Rehabilitation of Spinal Pain in Children and Adolescents with Overweight and Obesity

Abstract

The present study aims to reach experts on spinal pain in children/adolescents with obesity and to conduct a Delphi study on the methods used in the evaluation and rehabilitation of the process. Experts experienced in rehabilitation of spinal pain and children/adolescents with overweight/obesity. To collect data, using e-mails, the 16-question form containing assessment and rehabilitation approaches for spinal pain and obesity was sent to clinicians and researchers working on spinal pain in children or adolescents with overweight, obesity. Delphi tour consisted of two rounds. Participants' responses in two rounds were calculated as percentages and numbers. 132 experts were invited, 14 experts participated in the first round and 10 experts participated in the second round. In the first round, eleven experts from Turkey, two experts from Cyprus, one expert was from Malta; in the second round nine experts from Turkey, one expert was from Cyprus. Back pain(n=9), neck pain(n=4), low back pain(n=10) as the spinal pain areas where children/adolescents with obesity often experienced pain in the first round; in the second round, back pain(n=3), neck pain(n=3), low back pain(n=7) were reported. In the evaluation methods of pain, Visual Analog Scale(n=11), Faces Pain Scale(n=7), Numeric Rating Scale(n=4) were used. It was reported that Visual Analog Scale(n=7); Faces Pain Scale(n=2), Numeric Rating Scale(n=2) were used in the second round. Considering the exercises given for spinal pain rehabilitation, in the first round, for spinal stabilization exercises(n=6), resistance exercises(n=12), aerobic exercise bicycle(n=8), walking(n=8); in the second round; resistance exercises(n=5), aerobic exercise bicycle(n=5), reported that they recommended walking(n=8). With all these results, it is seen that different approaches are used in the evaluation and rehabilitation methods of spinal pain in children/adolescents overweight/obesity. This study may guide the development of common ideas in assessment-rehabilitation methods of spinal pain in children/adolescents overweight/obesity in clinics.