RESPIRATORY FUNCTION IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS WITH MILD AND MODERATE IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Özet

Objective: First, this study aimed to compare the respiratory function in adolescent girls with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who were not involved in any previous treatment and compare them with an age-matched control group in girls. Second, it investigated the relationship between respiratory function (RF) and curve magnitude and location of the curvature in patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five females with AIS, aged 10 to 17 years, and thirty-five age-matched healthy females were involved in the study. RF was measured using a handheld spirometer. Measurements included the forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. The AIS group was classified according to the location of the major Cobb angle (thoracic, lumbar, and thoracolumbar). Statistically, all results were compared between groups, and the RF was correlated with the major curve magnitude and the location of the curvature in patients with AIS. Results: The mean value of the major Cobb angle in degrees was 35.2°±6.5° (minimum-maximum: 22°-48°). Ten patients had thoracic, 16 had lumbar, and nine had thoracolumbar scoliosis. When compared with the results of the RF test, females with AIS had significantly lower values in all tests (p<0.05). There was no relationship between RF and the degree of the major Cobb angle. There was a significant negative correlation (p=0.033) between thoracic scoliosis and PEF values. Conclusion: Patients with AIS with the mild and moderate scoliosis had worse RF than healthy adolescents. Thoracic scoliosis was more negatively affected. Exercise programmes should consider strengthening respiratory muscles in patients with AIS, especially those with thoracic scoliosis.