A study of postural equilibrium in idiopathic scoliosis.

The relationship between upright static and dynamic equilibrium function and idiopathic scoliosis was investigated using a seven-part postural equilibrium test battery. Twenty-three normal subjects and 31 subjects with differing degrees of idiopathic scoliosis participated in the study. No significant difference was found among any of the subtest scores of the normal and scoliotic groups. Subtest scores were not significantly correlated with curve measurements. Curve measurements and subjects' ages proved to have some effect on subtest scores, but other unknown factors accounted for a greater percentage of score variance. The existence of a clinically measurable deficit in upright static and dynamic equilibrium in idiopathic scoliosis could not be proven. Further investigation is suggested to identify the factors that affect equilibrium scores. If these factors could be identified, the test battery might serve as a tool for the examination of female patients with idiopathic scoliosis.