Kinetic-functional assessment of the adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a cohort study

It is estimated that 1 to 3% of the world's population is diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis, with a higher prevalence in females and a higher index of curves in the right thoracic region. Diagnosis and clinical follow-up are based on radiographic analysis and measurement of the Cobb angle, which is considered the gold standard for classifying scoliotic severity.

This study investigated the applicability and feasibility of the kinetic-functional examination in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, considering the main functional tests described in the literature.

It was a cross-sectional, quantitative cohort study (CAAE xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) involving individuals of both sexes, aged between 10 and 14 years, who had a diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis of the adolescent confirmed by radiographic examination (Cobb angle between 10° and 50°). Statistical significance was set p < 0.05.

A total of 157 individuals participated in the study, 77.7% were female and 57.9% were considered underweight according to body mass index. Regarding the degree of severity of the curve, 61.8% of the adolescents had a moderate scoliotic curve. A trend towards a reduction in spine flexibility was observed as the severity of the curvature increased, especially in mild and moderate curves, while the strength tests showed negative values, with no marked differences between the severity groups.

The standardized application of functional tests ensures reliability and reproducibility of the results, and ensures the patient's performance, reducing biases, favoring clinical validity and assisting in the accurate identification of functional deficits.