The influence of thoracolumbosacral orthoses on standing balance in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a pilot study

Abstract

Background and aim: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSOs) on antero-posterior (AP) sway, medio-lateral (ML) sway and displacement of the center of pressure (COP) during a longitudinal study in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Methods: Eight females aged between 12 and 14.5 years participated in this study. Evaluations were performed prior to the TLSO intervention as a baseline condition, after 1 month, and after 4 months of orthosis use by assessing balance when standing statically on different surfaces. Results: When standing on both lower limbs on a solid surface there were significant differences in ML sway with the eyes both open and closed, and also in A/P sway but only when standing on a solid surface with the eyes open and also when standing on a foam surface with the eyes closed with TLSO use. When standing on the dominant leg, ML sway significantly improved, but AP sway only improved with a foam base surface with the eyes open. Conclusion: This study demonstrated positive effects of wearing a TLSO in improving quiet standing balance and standing on the dominant lower extremity in subjects with AIS after 4 months of brace use.Implications for RehabilitationDue to a change in body shape such as that caused by scoliosis, human posture changes and spinal deformities affect the position of the center of support, and thus balance ability may change.AIS subjects have poor standing stability compared to a healthy matched control group.Brace wearing had positive effect in improving quiet standing balance and standing on the dominant lower extremity in subjects with AIS undergoing brace treatment after 4 months of TLSO use.