Investigation of trunk sense, muscle endurance, muscle strength and balance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

This study was planned to compare the trunk sense (light touch, vibration and two-point discrimination), muscle endurance, muscle strength and balance of individuals with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) with healthy individuals of similar age and gender. Thirty-five individuals with AIS with a mean age of 14.52 ± 2.53 years and 35 healthy subjects with a mean age of 14.13 ± 2.65 years were included in the study. The socio-demographic and physical characteristics of the individuals were recorded. While performing trunk sensory evaluations of the individuals in the control group, T12 and L5 vertebrae were determined as reference points, if the individuals in the AIS group had one main curve, the vertebra with the apex, and if there were two main curves, the vertebrae with both apex were determined as reference points. The senses of light touch, vibration and two-point discrimination were evaluated with Semmes-Weinstein Monofilamet Kit, 128 Hertz frequency tuning fork and esthesiometer, respectively. Biering-Sorenson and Kraus-Weber tests were used to examine trunk muscle endurance. Trunk muscle strength was measured by manual muscle testing. Balance was assessed with the Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale. The mean Cobb angle was found to be 35.12° ± 8.93°, according to the orthoroentgenogram results of individuals with AIS. When the AIS group and healthy individuals were compared, there was a statistical difference in trunk sense (light touch, vibration and two-point discrimination) between the two groups (p1<0.001, p2=0.015 and p3=0.001; p<0.05, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in trunk muscle endurance in favor of the control group (p<0.001). Trunk muscle strength showed a statistically significant difference in favor of healthy individuals in anterior, lateral and oblique trunk flexor muscle groups, except for the back extensors (p=0.538; p>0.05) (p1<0.001, p2=0.003 and p3=0.028, respectively; p< 0.05). Balance showed a significant difference in favor of the control group (p<0.001). As a result of these findings, it was concluded that individuals with AIS have somatosensory deficits, trunk muscle endurance and strength are reduced, and balance loss.