Effectiveness of Rehabilitation With Technology-Based Systems in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

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Overview

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of technology-based exercises on treatment success in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Within the scope of the study, twenty five patients with AIS will be randomly allocated to two groups. The control group will apply a program with conventional approaches consisting of a combination of structured three-dimensional scoliosis exercises, core stabilization and balance exercises. Patients in the intervention group will perform structured three-dimensional scoliosis exercises, core stabilization and balance exercises similarly to the control group. However, patients in the intervention group will perform core stabilization and balance exercises with virtual reality games for twenty-four weeks. Patients' Cobb angle, Pediatric Berg Balance Scale (balance), Posterior Trunk Asymmetry Index (POTSI) (cosmetic), Walter Reed Visual Assessment Scale (WRVAS)(cosmetic), System Usability Scale (system usability) and Physical Activity Participation Motivation Scale (PAPMS) (motivation) parameters will be assess at the beginning of treatment, third and six month.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional structural deformity in growing children, not associated with a cause, in which lateral deviation of the spine over 10° is accompanied by rotation. The magnitude of the Cobb angle is used to classify the severity of scoliosis. In immature AIS cases, if the Cobb angle is between 25°-40°, bracing and exercise therapy is applied. Exercise in AIS is performed to reduce clinical symptoms, improve cosmetics and prevent curve progression. Corrective exercises based on sensorimotor and kinesthetic principles include self-correction in front of a mirror, three-dimensional breathing techniques and home exercise programs. Virtual reality applications (VRA) are three-dimensional computer simulations that give the individual the feeling of "being anywhere" and provide various information (light, sound and others) to the sensory organs. VRS is based on motor learning principles. The possibility of repetitive movements and computer feedback results in positive changes at the cortical level. In addition, the virtual environment increases the motivation of the individual and ensures active participation in the treatment. A review of the literature reveals that there are very limited studies on technology-based applications or virtual reality in scoliosis rehabilitation. To the best of our knowledge, it has been observed that there is no long-term rehabilitation protocol applied on the basis of rehabilitative game therapy in AIS rehabilitation.

Study Type

Interventions

Conservative ApproachOTHER

Structured scoliosis exercises will be prescribed by the physiotherapist according to the severity of the curvature and cosmetics of the individuals. In a one session period, 5-minute warm-up and cool-down periods, 20 minutes of scoliosis exercises, 10 minutes of core stabilization exercises and 10 minutes of balance training will be applied. The exercises will start from an easy level and the level of difficulty will be gradually increased. The assessments will be evaluated in three stages: at the beginning of treatment, at the third month of treatment and at the end of treatment (sixth month).

Rehabilitative Game TherapyOTHER

Structured scoliosis exercises will be prescribed by the physiotherapist according to the severity of the curvature and cosmetics of the patients and will be applied to the patients with a conventional approach. In a one-session period, 5-minute warm-up and cool-down periods, 20 minutes of scoliosis exercises, 10 minutes of core stabilization exercises, and 10 minutes of balance training will be applied in the clinical setting. Home exercises will be performing with the SmartPose system differently from the control group. The SmartPose system is a special software system that enables the user to perform movements with a tablet or phone without the need for any sensors.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 10 YearsMax age: 14 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Being diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, * Female participants aged between 10 and 14 years, * Being the Cobb angle between 25-40 degrees, * Being using three dimensional brace, * Being immature (Risser 0-2 or Sanders 1-4 phase) * Regular follow-ups (0-3-6 months) Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of previous spinal surgery, * Progression resulting in the necessity of surgery, * Participation in any exercise therapy program, * Playing sports at a professional level, * Cardiac and respiratory dysfunction and/or concomitant systemic disease, * Health (mental, orthopedic) problems that prevent exercise

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Cobb Angle

In the treatment of scoliosis, the Cobb angle is considered the most important outcome for the evaluation of treatment efficacy. The Cobb angle is measured from anteroposterior graphs taken during standing. Measurements will be taken by a blinded assessor via SurgiMap web application to eliminate individual errors. Measurements will be made from radiographs taken at the beginning and sixth month of treatment because of the radiation exposure.

Time frame: At the beginning of the study and sixth month of the study

Posterior Trunk Symmetry Index (POTSI)

POTSI is a method that makes it possible to evaluate the trunk asymmetry of an individual with AIS from the posterior and objectively scores the cosmetic effect. It is based on certain calculations performed on a posterior photograph of the individual. The score calculated in POTSI analysis consists of the sum of 6 indices. In order to prevent possible calculation errors and standardize the measurements, the cases will be evaluated with a mobile application named POTSIApp.