Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of forward head correction on
three-dimensional posture parameters and functional level in adolescent
idiopathic scoliotic patients. DESIGN: A randomized controlled study with
three-month follow-up. SETTING: University research laboratory. SUBJECTS:
Seventy-six adolescent idiopathic scoliotic patients with Cobb angle ranged from
10 degrees to 30 degrees and craniovertebral angle less than 50 degrees were
randomly assigned to a study or a control group. INTERVENTIONS: All the patients
(n = 76) received traditional treatment in the form of stretching and
strengthening exercises. In addition, patients in the study group (n = 38)
received a forward head posture corrective exercise programme. OUTCOME MEASURES:
Craniovertebral angle, Functional Rating Index and posture parameters, including:
lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, lateral
deviation, surface rotation and pelvis torsion were measured before treatment,
after 10 weeks, and at three-month follow-up. RESULTS: There was a significant
difference between the study and control groups adjusted to baseline values at 10
weeks post treatment with respect to the following parameters: craniovertebral
angle (P = 0.006), trunk inclination (P = 0.005), lordosis (P = 0.01), kyphosis
(P = 0.001), trunk imbalance (P = 0.001), lateral deviation (P = 0.001), pelvic
torsion (P = 0.004) and surface rotation (P = 0.013). At three-month follow-up,
there were still significant differences in all the previous variables (P <
0.005). In contrast, while there was no significant difference with respect to
Functional Rating Index at 10 weeks (P = 0.8), the three-month follow-up showed a
significant difference (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION:
A forward head corrective
exercise programme combined with conventional rehabilitation improved
three-dimensional scoliotic posture and functional status in patients with
adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Langue : ANGLAIS