The effect of brace treatment on pulmonary functions in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: An 8-month follow-up study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The instant effect of a brace on pulmonary functions of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is known. However, the permanent effects of its regular use are still unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether a brace in patients with AIS had a permanent effect on respiratory functions. METHODS: Fifteen patients with a mean age of 13.2 ± 1.6 years, and a major Cobb angle of 25.8∘± 7.7∘ participated in this study. Lung volumes and respiratory muscle strength were measured with and without thoracolumbosacral brace, at the end of first month and follow-up period after the patients started using the brace for 23 hours daily. RESULTS: When the brace was on, the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), ratio of FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow, and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity values were found to be lower at both first month and follow-up. After the follow-up, the measurement results did not differ from the results of the first month. CONCLUSIONS: The brace had a momentary restrictive effect on patients with AIS. However, it did not cause a permanent change in pulmonary functions after the 8-month follow-up.

Clinical Efficacy Study of Schroth Exercise Combined with Orthotic Treatment of Different Wearing Times in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis—A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Thus, exercise improves thoracic mobility. An 8-month follow-up investigation by Yasin et al [33] A review suggested that the three in uences of self-image, psychological well-being, and vitality should be considered to improve the quality of life of scoliosis patients under brace treatment when researching and designing new brace treatment regimens. The duration of brace wear is associated with the patient's initiative, but psychological factors and pain affect patient compliance.…”