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Introduction The adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) causes changes on the compliance of the chest. These changes may be associated with impaired lung function and reduced functional exercise capacity of these adolescents. We aimed to evaluate the correlation between functional exercise capacity, lung function and geometry of the chest at different stages of AIS.Materials and methods The study was carried out in a cross-sectional design which were evaluated 27 AIS patients at different stages of the disease. For chest wall evaluation, were created geometry angles/distances (A/D), which were quantified by Software Postural Assessment. The functional exercise capacity was assessed by a portable gas analyzer during the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). Besides that, manovacuometry and spirometry were also performed.Results Linear regressions showed that oxygen uptake (peak VO2) was correlated with distance travelled in the ISWT (R2 = 0.52), maximal respiratory pressures, cough peak flow (R2 = 0.59) and some thoracic deformity markers (D1, D2 and A6).Discussion We observed that the chest wall alterations, lung function and respiratory muscle strength are related to the functional exercise capacity and may impair the physical activity performance in AIS patients.Final considerations There is correlation between functional exercise capacity, lung function and geometry of the chest in AIS patients. Our results point to the possible impact of the AIS in the physical activities of these adolescents. Therefore, efforts to prevent the disease progression are extremely important.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that generates changes in the biomechanics of the rib cage. Digital photogrammetry enables the recording of subtle changes and the interrelationship between parts of the human body that are difficult to measure by other means. The aim of this study was to create angles and thoracic distances and to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of these measurements using the Software de Avaliação Postural (SAPO) in patients with AIS. This cross-sectional study evaluated 30 individuals aged between 11 and 18 years with AIS. We used SAPO with the thoracic markers in the form of angles (A) and distances (D) with involves structures like acromion, manubrium, xiphoid process, lower angle of the scapula, last false rib, anterior iliac spine process. Two experienced observers (A and B) analyzed the photos and all followed the same routine of analysis. Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility was assessed by the Bland-Altman plot and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), while intraobserver and interobserver reliability was assessed by the T-Test and Wilcoxon's Test. A high repeatability index was obtained among the evaluations, with twelve of the sixteen variables considered as reliable in all statistical tests. The interobserver analyzes presented excellent correlation coefficients (ICC), showing good reliability for six of the sixteen variables proposed. The SAPO method presented good reproducibility and reliability for most of the thoracic markers created, showing that photogrammetry may be a complementary tool in the evaluation of thoracic alterations in patients with AIS.

Objective: To evaluate the chest wall shape in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in comparison to healthy subjects and the association between the chest wall shape with the spine deformity and lung function in patients with AIS. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 30 AIS patients and 20 healthy subjects aged 11-18 years old. The Cobb angle evaluation was performed in AIS patients. The chest wall shape was assessed by the photogrammetry method, using the Postural Assessment Software (PAS). We created thoracic markers shaped as angles (A) and distances (D), as follows: A2 (right acromion/xiphoid/left acromion), A4L (angle formed between the outer point of the smallest waist circumference and its upper and lower edges on the left side), A7 (angle formed by the intersection of the tangent segments of the upper and lower scapulae angles), D1R/D1L [distance between the xiphoid process and the last false rib on the right (R) and left (L) sides], and D3 (distance between xiphoid process and anterior superior iliac spine). Results: The thoracic markers A2 and A7 were significantly higher, while the A4L and D1R/D1L were significantly reduced in the AIS group compared to the control. Moderate correlations were found between: A2 and the main and proximal thoracic Cobb angles (r=0.50, r=0.47, respectively); D1R/D1L and the main thoracic Cobb angle (r=- 0.40); and the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and D3R (r=0.47). Conclusions: The photogrammetry method was able to detect chest wall changes in AIS patients, besides presenting correlation between Cobb angles and lung function.

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