Hip-related Functional Limitations in Individuals With Idiopathic Scoliosis: a Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background Since scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity, it causes some movement limitations in the spine and related joints. However, functional limitations associated with scoliosis-related hip joint involvement are the subject of research.Aims This study aims to investigate the physical characteristics and functional limitations associated with idiopathic scoliosis (IS), focusing on hip joint.Methods Participants with IS and a control group were assessed using manual goniometry for hip joint RoM, indirect methods for lumbar mobility, the Foot Posture Index (FPI) for foot posture, the Trendelenburg sign within the single leg squat (SLS) test for muscle strength, the Y-Balance test (YBT) for balance, the hip joint position sense (JPS) test for proprioception, and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) for functional status.Results Individuals with scoliosis exhibited limitations in hip joint RoM, particularly in flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and internal rotation compared to controls.Lumbar mobility was reduced in the scoliosis group. The SLS and Y-Balance tests showed decreased scores in the posterior direction. Scoliosis participants had a tendency towards pronated foot posture. Hip JPS did not differ significantly between the groups. Muscle strength, as indicated by the Trendelenburg sign, was weaker in the scoliosis group. LEFS scores were lower in the scoliosis group but lacked clinical significance.Conclusion However, the observed differences were relatively small and may not have significant clinical implications. Future research should consider specific curve patterns of scoliosis and employ more advanced measurement techniques for enhanced reliability.