Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Clinical Efficacy of Ultrasound-Assisted Scoliosis-Specific Exercise in Mild-Grade Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: December 2, 2025
Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Busra Ilica Genc1, Selda Basar2, Deniz Oke3
1Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Basaksehir Cam-Sakura City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Background And Purpose:
Pelvic floor muscle activity (PFMA) in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) has not yet been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate PFMA in patients with AIS without urinary incontinence (UI) and to compare these findings with those of age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study evaluated 15 adolescents diagnosed with AIS who did not present with UI, along with 9 healthy controls. Both groups underwent assessments that included quality of life (QoL) assessment using the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory, and the objective measurement of Cobb angles via anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, axial trunk rotation (ATR) via a scoliometer, and PFMA via surface electromyography. Comparisons of QoL scores and objective measurement results between the patient and control groups were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test, while correlations among these parameters were analysed using Spearman's correlation coefficient.
Results:
Lower physical health (p = 0.017) and total QoL scores (p = 0.037) were observed in the patient group compared with controls. The PFMA scores during the work phase were lower in patients compared with controls (work mean, p = 0.002; maximum voluntary contraction [%MVC], p = 0.005). The work mean score of PFMA negatively correlated with thoracic Cobb angle (r = -0.558, p = 0.020) and ATR (r = -0.569, p = 0.004), and the %MVC score of PFMA negatively correlated with ATR (r = -0.437, p = 0.033). There was no significant correlation between sagittal plane curvatures and PFMA or QoL.
Discussion:
PFMA was reduced in adolescents with AIS compared with healthy controls. Exploratory analyses suggested negative associations between PFMA and scoliosis severity, particularly thoracic Cobb angle and ATR. These findings suggest a potential relationship between scoliosis-related spinal deformity, trunk asymmetry, and PFMA. Therefore, PFM function may be considered in the comprehensive evaluation and rehabilitation of adolescents with AIS, although confirmation in larger studies is warranted.
