In a study published in the May 30 issue of the journal Scoliosis, researchers found that brace compliance along with an exercise program contributed to spinal curvature improvement in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The researchers measured the effect of the Rigo System Cheneau (RSC) brace and a specific exercise program, and compared quality of life (QOL) and psychological traits in the compliant and noncompliant participants.
Fifty one girls, from 12-16 years old with Cobb angles of 20-50 degrees, participated in the study. After the study, the participants were divided into two groups based on their compliance with brace wear and the exercise program. Cobb angles, vertebral rotation, scoliometer readings, peak flow, QOL, and personality traits were compared between the groups.
The compliant group wore the brace 21.5 hours per day, exercised four times per week, and significantly improved in all measures when compared to noncompliant participants, who wore the brace 12 hours per day and exercised 1.7 times per week. The major Cobb angles improved 10.19 degrees (+/- 5.5) in the compliant group and deteriorated 5.52 degrees (+/- 4.3) in the noncompliant group. The study found that the compliant group members had a significantly better QOL than the noncompliant subjects, and were more emotionally mature, stable, and realistic.
