Gait Kinematic Adaptations Following Schroth Therapy in Individuals with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Abstract

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) alters postural control and movement coordination. This study investigated the dynamic biomechanical effects of Schroth therapy on AIS kinematics. Methods: Twelve young individuals with AIS completed a standardized Schroth therapy program, while twelve healthy participants served as controls. Three-dimensional gait kinematics were recorded using the Xsens MVN Awinda during walking at a self-selected speed. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted for the analysis of trunk, pelvic, and lower-extremity kinematics. Results: Changes were observed primarily in proximal kinematic parameters. Pelvic obliquity and thorax-head flexion/extension demonstrated the largest differences (p = 0.004 and p = 0.002, respectively; Cohen's d = 0.82-0.95). Moderate changes were detected in pelvis-thorax axial rotation and shoulder abduction/adduction patterns. Lower-extremity changes were limited and parameter-specific, with moderate changes observed in selected hip and knee rotational parameters, while other variables showed minimal or no change. Post-intervention comparisons with healthy controls showed that several upper-body kinematic patterns showed patterns that were more alike to those observed in the control group, although direct equivalence cannot be assumed. Conclusions: The findings suggest that Schroth therapy may be associated with changes in trunk and pelvic kinematics during gait in individuals with AIS.