Hip And Knee Abductor Moments In Normal Subjects And Subjects With Idiopathic Scoliosis During Level Walking: Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Kinetic analysis appears to be useful in providing objective information regarding the gait abilities of scoliotic patients, which is difficult to be observed in a clinical setting. Objective: the aim of the study was to analyze and compare the hip and knee peak abductor moments in subjects with idiopathic scoliosis and normal subjects during level walking. Methodology: Forty-four male subjects was aged 14-17 years participated in the study. They were assigned into two groups, scoliosis, and control groups. The scoliosis group included 22 subjects with idiopathic moderate right dorso-lumbar curve. The control group contained normal 22 subjects. 3D motion analysis system and force plates were used for data collection for hip and knee abductor moment. MANOVA was used to study the difference between normal and scoliotic groups’ hip and knee abductor moments in both lower limbs at an alpha level of significance of 0.05. Results: During free walking, there was a significant increase in the hip abductor moment contralateral to the scoliotic side, while the ipsilateral side showed non-significant increase when compared with normal subjects. There was a significant increase in the knee abductor moment ipsilateral and contralateral to the scoliotic side when compared with normal. Conclusion: Idiopathic scoliosis could affect the hip and knee gait kinetics in the frontal plane.