%0 Journal Article
%T Brace related stress in scoliosis patients ¨C Comparison of different concepts of bracing
%A Hans-Rudolf Weiss
%A Mario Werkmann
%A Carola Stephan
%J Scoliosis
%D 2007
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1748-7161-2-10
%X Two BSSQbrace questionnaires have been posted to 65 patients under brace treatment from our Cheneau light data base. All patients had another kind of brace prior to the Cheneau light. The patients have been asked to rate their stress level using one questionnaire for the current brace and the other for the previous one.63 Patients (59 girls and 4 boys) returned their fully completed questionnaires (average age 13,6 years, average Cobb angle 43,7 degrees). Stress level in the previous brace was 11,04 and in the Cheneau light(r) 13,87. The differences were highly significant in the t-test; t = -4,67; p < 0,001.The use of the Cheneau light£¿ brace leads to reduced stress and/or impairment for the patients under treatment compared to heavier brace models used so far.Quality of life seems to be an important issue for patients with scoliosis [1,2]. Therefore a new instrument has been developed by two physicians and two psychologists working at our centre, to assess the psychological stress scoliosis patients have because of their deformity [3]. This instrument is called the Bad Sobernheim Stress Questionnaire (BSSQ). 8 questions are provided focussing on this topic. The response to each question is scored 0 (most stress) to 3 (least stress). A max. score values of 24 can be achieved.The following items have been provided:1. I feel conspicuous by the appearance of my back.2. I find it hard to show my back in public.3. I feel embarrassed in situations, in which other people can see my naked back.4. I don't feel embarrassed showing my back.5. I try not to get too close to other people to avoid that they become aware of my scoliosis.6. When deciding what kind of clothes to wear or how to wear my hair, I take care my back is hidden.7. Scoliosis is a part of me, people have to accept me the way I am.8. Because of the scoliosis I avoid activities/hobbies, which otherwise I would love to do.Not only scoliosis itself but also conservative treatment may contribute to a decreased qua
%U http://www.scoliosisjournal.com/content/2/1/10