Physiotherapy diagnosis of scoliosis in the population of school-age children

Zuzanna Wąsowicz; Katarzyna  Zwolińska-Mirek

doi:10.55225/hppa.730

Authors

Zuzanna Wąsowicz University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Sacz, Faculty of Physical Culture Sciences and Safety, Department of Physiotherapy, Poland
Katarzyna Zwolińska-Mirek University of Applied Sciences in Nowy Sacz, Faculty of Physical Culture Sciences and Safety, Department of Physiotherapy, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9851-6096

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55225/hppa.730

Keywords:

idiopathic scoliosis, screening examination, Bunnell scoliometer, body posture, scoliosis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of trunk asymmetry in school-aged children using the Bunnell scoliometer in the screening diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis and to analyze the relationship between the occurrence of menstruation and the values of the angle of trunk rotation (ATR).

Material and methods: The study included 44 students (24 girls and 20 boys) from two primary schools. The ATR was measured according to the recommendations of the Committee of Rehabilitation during the Adams Test in three spinal sections (Th1–Th4, Th5–Th12, L1–L5) using the Bunnell scoliometer. The results were statistically analyzed with PQStat software version 1.8.6, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: Trunk asymmetry requiring further diagnostics was found in 18.18% of the children. Girls required additional assessment more frequently than boys (29.17% vs 5%; p = 0.048). No significant differences in ATR values were found between sexes, whereas non-menstruating girls had significantly higher ATR values in the thoracic region (5° vs 0.5°; p = 0.02).

Conclusions: Trunk asymmetry suggesting a risk of idiopathic scoliosis occurs in a considerable proportion of school-aged children, especially during the peripubertal period. Sexual maturation influences ATR values, indicating the need for regular screening. The Bunnell scoliometer is an effective tool for early detection of idiopathic scoliosis in school settings.

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