The investigation of the effects of hypermobility on physical assessment parameters due to scoliosis in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

Purpose: To investigate how hypermobility affects the measurements used in physical assessment and examine the relationships between the evaluated parameters. Methods: Forty adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) were evaluated. The study was completed with a total of 33 individuals, including 18 hypermobile individuals with AIS as the study group and 15 non-hypermobile individuals with AIS as the controls. Consent was obtained from participants, and demographic data were recorded. While hypermobility was measured with "Beighton's Scoring", "Cobb angle" and trunk rotation were measured with radiographic evaluation and a scoliometer, respectively; inequality of leg length has also been noted. Pes planus was evaluated with the "Navicular Drop Test", and pes planus flexibility was examined with the "Jack's Finger Lift Test". While dynamic balance was evaluated with the "Functional Reaching Test", static balance was assessed with the "One Leg Balance Test" as eyes were open and closed. Fall risk was questioned with the "Morse Fall Scale". Results: Angle of lumbar region trunk rotation in individuals with hypermobile AIS was statistically significantly lower than the controls (p=0.02). There was no statistically significant difference between hypermobility, and upper and the angles of upper and lower thoracic region trunk rotation, Cobb angle, presence of pes planus, static balance, dynamic balance, and fall risk (p>0.05). In the correlation analysis performed in all individuals with AIS, while dynamic balance is positively related to eye-open static balance, fall risk is negatively related. The pes planus, lumbar, and angle of upper thoracic region trunk rotation are related to the Cobb angle. Conclusion: In individuals with AIS, angle of lumbar region trunk rotation is associated with hypermobility. Accordingly, it is recommended to evaluate the hypermobility status of those with AIS. Since Cobb angle and pes planus are related, the evaluation of pes planus should be performed meticulously in individuals with AIS. Keywords: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, Angle of trunk rotation, Cobb angle, Hypermobility, Pes planus.