Dear Spinal Orthotists,
Best practice guidelines regarding the biomechanical principles employed
during orthotic treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are not
clearly defined. This is subsequent to the fact that for *some*
biomechanical principles often debated when discussing orthotic treatment
of AIS, there is no strong evidence in the literature to support
decision-making.
Ongoing efforts to clarify and define biomechanical principles of AIS have
begun to lay the groundwork for what could eventually become best practice
guidelines. In 2002 the American Academy of Orthotics and Prosthetics
convened a State of the Science Conference which outlined basic
understandings as well as identified shortcomings in current research
regarding orthotic interventions. While this served a great need and
remains a gold standard, thirteen years have passed and many advances have
been made in the treatment of AIS. The SOSORT group has been a leader in
the international community of the conservative treatment of scoliosis, and
has published several articles in the SOSORT journal that convey “expertâ€
agreement and disagreement in areas that cannot be defined by research yet.
The objective of this study is to use a survey tool that will poll expert
opinions of experienced spinal orthotists to determine where areas of
agreement or disagreement arise regarding the biomechanical principles used
for orthotic treatment for AIS. A long term goal associated with this
project is to contribute toward the ongoing efforts to work toward reaching
a consensus on best practices. Please consider filling out this
questionnaire, as we would greatly value your input. The survey consists of
21 questions, and should take you less than 20 minutes to complete.
The collected data will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law
and stored in a password-protected computer file. Before filling out the
survey, a consent form will be attached at the first page of the survey
link. Please indicate your consent to participate in this research study
and your agreement with the Statement of Content by clicking “continue†in
the first page of the survey site.
*The survey can be found at the following link:*
*Start Survey
You may be invited to a future focus group meeting to discuss the outcomes
from this research. If you wish to participate in a future focus group
meeting, please provide your email address in the space at the end of the
survey.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sun Hae Jang, MSc, CO and Kara Davis, CPO, LO, FAAOP
*Supported by Spinal Orthotics Society*
* of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists*
