Relationship between idiopathic scoliosis and body composition -a case-control study

This study investigated the association between idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and body composition in Polish children and adolescents compared to healthy peers, using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). IS is a spinal deformity seen in youth, often linked with a thinner build (lower BMI and body weight), but body composition details are poorly documented in Europeans. The study aimed to compare fat, muscle, and other body components between IS patients and controls, and to examine links with scoliosis severity (Cobb angle).

Cross-sectional design, with 92 IS participants and 94 age- and gender-matched controls. Measurements included BMI, fat and muscle mass, bone mass, metabolic rate, and more via BIA.

The IS group had lower BMI and muscle mass than controls. Despite lower muscle mass, IS subjects had higher body fat percentage, absolute fat mass, and waist-to-height ratio (central fat). Bone mass and metabolic rate showed no significant difference between groups. Greater spinal curvature is linked with lower BMI, muscle mass, and metabolic activity. Implications. IS is associated with a specific body composition: less muscle, higher central fat, and lower BMI.

Consequently, routine body composition assessment in IS management is recommended. Study limitations include its cross-sectional design, which prevents causal inference, a relatively small sample, and unaccounted factors like physical activity. Longitudinal research is needed to clarify these relationships and explore therapeutic body composition modifications.