Could Lumbar Lordosis Angle Be A Predictor of Functionality in Children with Spina Bifida? A Cross-Section Study

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lumbar lordosis angle (LLA) and trunk functions, sitting balance, functional independence, and lesion level in children with spina bifida (SB).Methods: Thirty children with SB were included. LLA was measured with a flexible ruler. The Pediatric Functional Reach Test (PRT), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM), and International Myelodysplasia Study Group Criteria were used to evaluate sitting balance, trunk functions, functional independence, and motor lesion level respectively. The correlations were performed by using Spearman's correlation test.Results: There were significant correlations between the LLA and PRT, TIS, and WeeFIM results. Also, a significant correlation was found between the LLA and lesion level (p < .05).Conclusions: The development of the LLA in the normal range should be supported in rehabilitation approaches aiming to increase sitting balance, functional independence, and trunk functions in children with SB.Abbreviations: SB: Spina Bifida; LLA: Lumbar Lordosis Angle; MMS: Meningomyelocele; WeeFIM: Functional Independence Measure for Children; TIS: Trunk Impairment Scale; PRT: Pediatric Functional Reach Test.