Reliability measure of the rib cage deformity by a postural assessment software in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Abstract

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that generates changes in the biomechanics of the rib cage. Digital photogrammetry enables the recording of subtle changes and the interrelationship between parts of the human body that are difficult to measure by other means. The aim of this study was to create angles and thoracic distances and to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of these measurements using the Software de Avaliação Postural (SAPO) in patients with AIS. This cross-sectional study evaluated 30 individuals aged between 11 and 18 years with AIS. We used SAPO with the thoracic markers in the form of angles (A) and distances (D) with involves structures like acromion, manubrium, xiphoid process, lower angle of the scapula, last false rib, anterior iliac spine process. Two experienced observers (A and B) analyzed the photos and all followed the same routine of analysis. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility was assessed by the Bland-Altman plot and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while intraobserver and interobserver reliability was assessed by the T-Test and Wilcoxon's Test. A high repeatability index was obtained among the evaluations, with twelve of the sixteen variables considered as reliable in all statistical tests. The interobserver analyzes presented excellent correlation coefficients (ICC), showing good reliability for six of the sixteen variables proposed. The SAPO method presented good reproducibility and reliability for most of the thoracic markers created, showing that photogrammetry may be a complementary tool in the evaluation of thoracic alterations in patients with AIS.

What Is the Knowledge of Elementary School Teachers About Scoliosis?

“…Because scoliosis is more common in school-age adolescents, early detection can be optimized by training elementary school teachers to perform basic diagnostic procedures, such as the Adams test. 15 This test uses a noninvasive method and consists of detecting spinal deformity on the patient’s back when they perform anterior trunk flexion. 16 Early detection can be done by people in adolescents’ daily living, such as family members or teachers, which would function as a screening prior to diagnosis and refer them for the evaluation of primary health care professionals.…”

“…Preventive measures aiming at ergonomic aspects are also needed to evaluate postural changes early and educate children about the appropriate postures when studying, carrying school objects, and practicing physical exercises, thus avoiding the impairment of the musculoskeletal system, 15 and informing them about the importance of maintaining a good posture to avoid current and future postural problems. 1…”

Prevalência de escoliose idiopática do adolescente em escola da rede pública

“…Outra possível explicação são as diferenças encontradas nas faixas etárias estudadas (DEWAN; MUMMAREDDY; BONFIELD, 2018). O período de estirão de crescimento na adolescência associa-se ao desenvolvimento e à aceleração de desvios posturais (SARAIVA et al, 2020) .…”