HRQoL And Function Of Adults Treated In Adolescence For Scoliosis With Physical Exercises

• pulmonary function [ Time Frame: one time point ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  spirometry, total lung capacity
• physical fitness [ Time Frame: one time point ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  cycloergometric submaximal physical working capacity test
• curve progression [ Time Frame: two time points: data from medical records (past) and present meausserements ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  x-ray, Cobb angle, trunk rotation, scoliometer

• health related quality of life [ Time Frame: up to 1 year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  generic and condition - specific questionnaries
• physical fitness [ Time Frame: up to 1 year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  cycloergometric submaximal physical working capacity test
• curve progression [ Time Frame: up to 1 year ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  x-ray, Cobb angle, trunk rotation, scoliometer

We attempt to investigate the influence of physiotherapy and physical activity education applied in adolescence on physical fitness, curve progression, pulmonary function, physical activity and quality of life in adulthood. Quality of life assessment includes mental and social functioning, body image, self - esteem, depression and anxiety surveillance. The follow - up period ranges from 15 to 26 years. Also a group of shorter follow - up of 9 - 13 years is available.

The null hypothesis is that scoliosis specific exercise program applied in adolescence does not influence HRQoL and functioning in adulthood.

Among conservative treatment approaches of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), different physiotherapy methods are recommended and popular in some countries (Spain, Germany, Poland), while in others bracing and observation are standard (North America, Australia, the UK, Scandinavia. Neither of the methods have been shown to be definitely effective. Considerable evidence indicates that bracing can lead to psychological stress, poorer body image and self - esteem and reduce overall quality of life in adulthood. As to physiotherapy and physical exercises, such evidence is limited, especially long term follow up studies are not available.

Treatment group (retrospection - medical records) - patients diagnosed and / or treated in the Centre of Corrective and Compensatory Gymnastics in Bielsko - Biala, Poland, between 1983 and 1994. Diagnosis: idiopathic scoliosis (IS) - adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) or early onset idiopathic scoliosis (EOIS) A comparison (control) group: patients with IS, age - and condition - matched, who were diagnosed at the same time, in the same clinic, and by the same physician, and prescribed the same method of physiotherapy, but did not start the exercise treatment.

• exercise
  subjects diagnosed and treated in the Centre of Corrective and Compensatory Gymnastics in Bielsko - Biala, Poland, between 1983 and 1994, with scoliosis - specific exercise program
• control
  age and condition - matched subjects, who were diagnosed at the same time, in the same clinic, and by the same physician, and prescribed the same method of physiotherapy, but did not start the exercise treatment

Inclusion Criteria:

• clinical diagnosis of scoliosis in adolescence
• participation in exercise program in the Centre of Compensatory Gymnastics in Bielsko-Biala in adolescence
• medical records available

Exclusion Criteria:

• contraindications for pulmonary and / or exercise tests
• psychiatric disorders
• recent trauma
• recent traumatic (emotional) event
• contraindications for x-ray exposure