The importance of trunk perception during brace treatment in moderate juvenile idiopathic scoliosis: What is the impact on self-image?

BACKGROUND

The perception of body image and the deformity of the trunk in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are a silver lining that has yet to be discussed in the relevant literature during brace rehabilitation treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether and how the use of the brace changes perception of the trunk in patients with AIS by the drawing test.

METHODS

We observed 32 subjects with AIS from our Rehabilitation outpatient clinic and divided them into the brace treatment (BG-16 subjects) and the non-brace treatment (CG-16 subjects). Trunk perception and quality of life were evaluated using the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale and Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire, and the perception of one's back was measured by the drawing test.

RESULTS

Pain was lower in BG versus CG (p= 0.095). Satisfaction with the treatment was higher in BG than in CG (p= 0.002). Self-image did not differ significantly between the groups in terms of TAPS. Drawings of the most severe cases of scoliosis were made by the group without the brace.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the brace corrects the function of the trunk and has a positive influence on its perception.