Gait Kinematic Adaptations Following Schroth Therapy in Individuals with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) alters postural control and movement coordination. This study investigated the dynamic biomechanical effects of Schroth therapy on AIS kinematics.

Methods

Twelve young individuals with AIS completed a standardized Schroth therapy program, while twelve healthy participants served as controls. Three-dimensional gait kinematics were recorded using the Xsens MVN Awinda during walking at a self-selected speed. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted for the analysis of trunk, pelvic, and lower-extremity kinematics.

Results

Changes were observed primarily in proximal kinematic parameters. Pelvic obliquity and thorax-head flexion/extension demonstrated the largest differences (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively; Cohen's d = 0.82-0.95). Moderate changes were detected in pelvis-thorax axial rotation and shoulder abduction/adduction patterns. Lower-extremity changes were limited and parameter-specific, with moderate changes observed in selected hip and knee rotational parameters, while other variables showed minimal or no change. Post-intervention comparisons with healthy controls showed that several upper-body kinematic patterns showed patterns that were more alike to those observed in the control group, although direct equivalence cannot be assumed.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that Schroth therapy may be associated with changes in trunk and pelvic kinematics during gait in individuals with AIS.