Investigation of Shoulder Position, Upper Extremity Proprioception, and Function in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis Using Braces

Gözde Yagci (Gür)

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06904157

SBA 23/116 (Other Identifier)

HU-KNurdogan-001

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to investigate the effects of brace use on shoulder position, upper extremity proprioception, and upper extremity function in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants will be assessed under both in-brace and out-brace conditions. The control group's upper extremity proprioception and upper extremity function will be assessed under out-brace condition. Shoulder position will be evaluated using a photographic method, while upper extremity proprioception (angular deviation) will be measured with the Laser Pointer-Assisted Angle Reproduction Test. Upper extremity function will be assessed through muscle strength tests, the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test, the Medicine Ball Throw Test, the Finger-to-Nose Test, the Nellson Hand Reaction Test, and the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test. Adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis who have been prescribed brace treatment and have no history of spinal surgery or neurological/musculoskeletal conditions affecting upper extremity function will be included. Individuals with congenital or neuromuscular scoliosis, previous spinal surgery, neurological disorders affecting proprioception, or those unable to comply with study assessments will be excluded. This study aims to provide insights into the impact of bracing on proprioception and upper extremity function, contributing to the development of rehabilitation strategies for scoliosis management.

Full description

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by lateral curvature and vertebral rotation, affecting postural alignment, musculoskeletal function, and neuromuscular control. AIS can lead to asymmetrical loading of the spine and trunk, potentially altering proprioception, postural stability, and functional capacity. Bracing is a widely used conservative treatment aimed at preventing curve progression and maintaining spinal alignment during skeletal growth. However, its effects on upper extremity function, proprioception, and shoulder biomechanics remain underexplored.

Proprioception, the body's ability to sense movement and position, plays a critical role in motor control and stability. In AIS, spinal asymmetry and altered postural alignment may disrupt proprioceptive feedback mechanisms, leading to compensatory movement strategies and potential impairments in upper extremity coordination and function. Additionally, bracing may impose external constraints that influence neuromuscular activation patterns and joint positioning, further affecting movement efficiency and functional performance.

This study aims to investigate the impact of brace use on shoulder position, upper extremity proprioception, and functional performance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Participants will be assessed in both braced and unbraced conditions to determine how brace-related mechanical constraints influence proprioceptive accuracy, postural adaptation, and functional motor skills. Shoulder position will be analyzed through photographic assessment, while proprioception will be measured using the Laser Pointer-Assisted Angle Reproduction Test. Upper extremity function will be evaluated using standardized clinical assessments, including strength tests, stability and coordination measures, and reaction time assessments.

Understanding the effects of bracing on upper extremity proprioception and function is essential for optimizing rehabilitation strategies in AIS. This study seeks to provide evidence that can inform clinical decision-making regarding brace design, therapy interventions, and functional training approaches to minimize movement restrictions and enhance musculoskeletal performance in adolescents undergoing brace treatment.

Enrollment: 30 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 10 to 18 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Inclusion criteria for the patient group;

• To have a diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS),
• Be using Cheneau Type corset for at least one month,
• Having a primary thoracic or thoracolumbar curve,
• Cobb angle of 20 degrees or more,
• The dominant hand is the right hand,
• Volunteering to participate in the study,
• Parental consent was required. Inclusion criteria for the control group;
• Individuals between the ages of 10-18
• Dominant Hand is the Right Hand
• Volunteering to Participate in the Study

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria for Patient Group;

• Having a diagnosis of Congenital Scoliosis,
• Becoming a Professional Athlete,
• Neuromuscular, Rheumatologic, Renal Except Scoliosis, Any History of Vestibular, Pulmonary or Cardiovascular Disease Finding
• History of Surgical Intervention on the Spine. Exclusion Criteria for Control Group;
• Neuromuscular, Rheumatologic, Renal, Vestibular, Pulmonary Or History of any Cardiovascular Disease
• History of Spine Surgery,
• Being a Professional Athlete.

Trial design

30 participants in 2 patient groups

Patient Group

Description:

This group consists of individuals diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) who are using Cheneau-type braces. The age range for this group is 10-18 years. Participants must have a diagnosis of AIS, have been using a Cheneau-type brace for at least one month, have a primary thoracic or thoracolumbar curve, and a Cobb angle of 20 degrees or more. Additionally, the dominant hand must be the right hand, and participants must be willing to participate in the study with parental consent. Exclusion criteria include a diagnosis of congenital scoliosis, being a professional athlete, having a history of neuromuscular, rheumatological, renal, vestibular, pulmonary, or cardiovascular diseases unrelated to scoliosis, and a history of spinal surgery.

Control Group

Description:

This group consists of healthy adolescents without any scoliosis or spinal deformities. The age range for this group is 10-18 years. Participants must have a dominant right hand and be willing to participate in the study. Exclusion criteria include a history of neuromuscular, rheumatological, renal, vestibular, pulmonary, or cardiovascular diseases, a history of spinal surgery, and being a professional athlete.