Abstract
Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine and the trunk, of unknown etiology. Balance or postural control can be defined as the ability to maintain the body's line of gravity above the base of support and thus to avoid falling. Adequate balance control is not only important for maintaining postural stability, but also for safe mobility during activities of daily life. This requires efficient central processing of information coming from the visual, vestibular and somatosensory (proprioceptive) systems. The aim of this article was to review the literature about postural stability and balance performance in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Some studies showed that people with idiopathic scoliosis have reduced postural stability, assessed with posturography, as well as proprioceptive and vestibular deficits. Two hypotheses in the literature, biomechanical and sensory integration hypotheses, tried to explain this from different points of view. The biomechanical hypothesis emphasizes biomechanical and morphological changes in IS as responsible for poorer postural stability, while the hypothesis of sensory integration points out that certain people with idiopathic scoliosis have impaired dynamic regulation of sensorimotor integration due to an inaccurate evaluation of sensory inputs. Studies that used clinical balance tests showed difficulties in mediolateral stability and dynamic proprioception in IS. Further studies on balance in this population are needed to deepen knowledge in this area.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.