Isokinetic evaluation of the trunk flexors and extensors in women with and without scoliosis: A comparative study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Scoliosis affects mainly women and even if its diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and radiographic assessment, muscular involvement is undeniable impacting possibly on strength and daily activities. OBJECTIVE: To assess the strength of sagitally operating trunk muscles in women with scoliosis (WwS) and apparently healthy women (AH) with a similar mean age. METHODS: The two groups consisted 114 WwS and 42 AH women. The concentric isokinetic evaluation related to the peak moment (PM) of the trunk flexors and extensors at 30 and 90∘/s. Division into subgroups was based on the location of the scoliosis and magnitude of the Cobb angle. RESULTS: The PM of both muscle groups was not correlated with the location of the scoliosis. However, these muscles manifested a highly significant weakness in WwS compared to the AH group, in both test velocities. In terms of the general severity of the weakness, the PM scores in WwS with Cobb angle > 30∘ were significantly lower compared to their healthy counterparts in both ‘muscle’ and ‘velocity’ whereas save the flexors at 90∘/s, there was no difference between the lesser compromised WwS (Cobb ⩽ 30∘) and AH women. The PM-based extension/flexion ratios in WwS were respectively 1.34 ± 0.28 and 1.23 ± 0.27 at 30∘/s and 90∘/s, with no significant difference between subgroups, nor with control values. CONCLUSION: In view of the results, trunk muscles strength should definitely be taken into account when planning therapeutic options for WwS.