Effect of physiotherapy on spinal alignment in children with postural defects

Area of Science:

• Pediatric rehabilitation
• Spinal biomechanics
• Neurophysiology

Background:

• Postural defects in children, including thoracic kyphosis and spinal deviation, can impact musculoskeletal health.
• Early intervention through neurophysiological rehabilitation may mitigate the progression of spinal deformities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of neurophysiological rehabilitation on thoracic kyphosis, lateral spinal deviation, and spinal rotation in children with postural defects.
• To compare outcomes based on the severity of kyphosis and rehabilitation techniques used.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 201 children (aged 8-15) with diagnosed postural defects.
• Assessment of thoracic kyphosis, lateral deviation, and spinal rotation using the DIERS system before and after 4 weeks of therapy.
• Therapies included proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) and Vojta's approaches, with analysis of combined vs. sole techniques.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were noted in thoracic kyphosis angle, spinal rotation, and lateral deviations across participants.
• Children with kyphosis ≥ 42° showed greater improvements in all measured parameters compared to those with kyphosis < 42°.
• Specific improvements ranged from 0.14° to 5.47° for kyphosis, 0.37° to 4.33° for rotation, and 1.32 mm to 2.99 mm for lateral deviation.

Conclusions:

• Neurophysiological rehabilitation, utilizing PNF and Vojta's methods, demonstrates positive outcomes for pediatric postural defects.
• The DIERS Formetric System provides accurate monitoring of therapeutic progress.
• Children with more pronounced kyphosis benefit more significantly from this rehabilitation approach.