Does the Chêneau brace affect gait pattern and body balance of adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis?

Mariusz Drużbicki ¹, Anna Puchalska-Sarna ¹, Olga Wolińska ²

⁰1Department of Physiotherapy, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland.

Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics +

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January 28, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

The Chêneau brace impacts gait and balance in girls with Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This study found significant differences in spatiotemporal and kinematic parameters when comparing brace use versus non-use.

Area Of Science

Orthopedics
Biomechanical Engineering
Physical Therapy

Background

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex spinal deformity.
The Chêneau brace is a common conservative treatment for AIS.
Understanding the biomechanical effects of the Chêneau brace on gait and balance is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes.

Purpose Of The Study

To evaluate the effects of the Chêneau brace on spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters in girls with AIS.
To assess changes in balance control in girls with AIS while wearing and not wearing the Chêneau brace.
To compare gait and balance parameters between AIS patients (with and without the brace) and a healthy control group.

Main Methods

Objective gait analysis using a 3D BTS motion capture system.
Balance assessment utilizing a Kistler force platform.
Comparison of gait and balance parameters in 15 AIS patients under two conditions: with and without the Chêneau brace, plus a control group.

Main Results

Significant differences in spatiotemporal and kinematic gait parameters were observed in AIS patients with and without the Chêneau brace, as well as compared to controls.
Statistically significant differences in Center of Pressure (COP) metrics (COP-X amplitude, path length) were noted during closed-eye trials when comparing AIS patients with and without the brace.
Compared to controls, AIS patients exhibited significant differences in COP-Y amplitude and Equivalent Area of COP during closed-eye trials, irrespective of brace use.

Conclusions

The Chêneau brace significantly influences specific gait and balance parameters in patients with Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
These findings highlight the biomechanical impact of the Chêneau brace on functional mobility in AIS.
Further research can explore long-term effects and personalized brace adjustments based on gait and balance assessments.

Keywords:

Chêneau brace adolescent idiopathic scoliosis gait analysis postural balance