%0 Journal Article
%T Forces exerted during exercises by patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis wearing fiberglass braces
%A Michele Romano
%A Roberta Carabalona
%A Silvia Petrilli
%A Paolo Sibilla
%A Stefano Negrini
%J Scoliosis
%D 2006
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1748-7161-1-12
%X Outpatient care.17 consecutive adolescent patients wearing fiberglass brace for idiopathic scoliosis.Exercises (kyphotization, rotation, "escape from the pad") in different positions (sitting, supine, on all fours).Pressure detected by the F-Socket System between the rib hump and the pad of the brace.In static and dynamic conditions, the position adopted did not alter the total pressure exerted by the brace, although the part of the sensor stimulated did vary. Kyphotization and rotation exercises produced a significant increase of pressure (+ 58.9% and +29.8%, respectively); however, the "escape from the pad" exercise, despite its name, did not produce any significant variation of pressure.Exercises in the brace allow adjunctive forces to be applied on soft tissues and through them, presumably on the spine. Different exercises can be chosen to obtain different actions. Physical exercises and sporting activities are useful in mechanical terms, although other important actions should not be overlooked.Physical exercises are prescribed in some institutions for patients that wear braces for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis [1-3], but there is no scientific evidence for this practice [4,5].The possible useful effects of an exercise regimen for a patient with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis wearing a corrective brace have been divided theoretically into the two categories of general and specific effects [6,3,11]. The former includes all beneficial modifications (obtained through the activation of muscles, the stimulation of ventilatory exchanges and psychological help) that physical activity provides the patient, while reducing the impairments and disabilities induced by wearing the orthosis.Let us look at these singly:1. Activation of musclesIn braced patients, it is normally thought that the supporting action of trunk muscles is reduced [9,10,12-15]. Exercises are proposed to:a. avoid this effect, that could be more pronounced in adolescent patients using braces all day
%U http://www.scoliosisjournal.com/content/1/1/12