Airway function in adults with mild-to-moderate scoliosis treated in adolescence with specific physical exercises. An ongoing, case-control study

Abstract

BackgroundScoliosis can lead to a decrease in total lung capacity(TLC) and alterations in maximal flow volume curves,associated with structural defo rmities and curve magni-tude, but also with chronicity of the problem and respira-tory muscle inefficiency [1-4]. However, evidenceconfirming the assumption of beneficial, long lasting influ-ence of scoliosis specific exercise on respiratory function islacking.PurposeWe aimed to analyze respiratory function in adults withhistory of participation in a scoliosis specific exerciseprogram, in comparison to normative values and to age-matched subjects, with reference to confounders: smokingand physical activity.Materials and methodsMaximal flow-volume curves, ventilatory parameters(vital capacity - VC, forced VC in exertion and in inser-tion = FVCin and FVCex) and TLC values were analyzedin 25 adults (22 females), who attended in adolescence(from 1984 to 1995, at initial age of 11 - 13) the Centreof Corrective and Compensatory Gymnastics, Bielsko Biala, Poland. The WHO General Physical Activity Ques-tionnaire was also completed. The non-parametric rangKruskal-Wallis ANOVA was performed among sub-groups with moderate and mild scoliosis (>40° Cobb,n=3; 25-39°, n=2; 10-24°, n=20, respectively) and com-pared to 17 age matched normal controls (11 females).ResultsGenerally, scoliotic subjects did not differ significantlyfrom controls and normal values. However, FVCin wasbelow normal values (x=86.4% in 10-24° Cobb), VC andTLC means differed nonsignificantly (p=.070 andp=.074, respectively).ConclusionIn general, the results suggest satisfactory lung function-ing, but FVCin analysis indicates inspiratory inefficiency,regardless severity of the deformation.