Funding outcome

Scoliosis is a 3D deformity of the spine characterized by lateral deviation and rotation of the spine. Scoliosis affects 2-3% of the adolescents but females are eight times more likely to require treatment. Scoliosis is a progressive condition persisting in adults and responsible for pain, affecting self-image and quality of life and limiting function. The standard of treatment for scoliosis is wait and see for small curves, rigid bracing for moderate curves and invasive corrective surgery for large curves. However, the use of scoliosis specific exercises is becoming increasingly popular as evidence about their positive results is accumulating. Our research group is conducting an award winning exercise study which has shown the potential for exercises focused on improving posture to prevent curve worsening and relieve pain, improve quality of life, posture and back endurance. However, scoliosis-specific exercise programs have been developeved based on the opinion and experience of expert clinicians and we have a poor understanding of how they influence the spine. The effect of bracing is often predicted by measuring on much deformity correction is achieved on a radiograph taken inbrace. The goal of this project is, thus, to better understand how exercises work by determining the amount of immediate correction in the curve angles and vertebra observed in different positions and scoliosis-specific exercise {Standing, Sitting, Lying prone). Using radiographs to assess the immediate effect of exercises is not possible because itwould lead to excessive harmful exposure to radiation. To assess the effect of the exercises this study will use safe and non-invasive ultrasound imaging testing strategy developed by our team to assess the 3D orientation of the whole spine.