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Myofascial and Articular Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Scoliosis Idiopathic Adolescent Treatment
Interventions
Other: Dynamic myofascial manipulation
Other: Standard AIS treatment with observation or bracing
Registration Number
NCT05423509
Lead Sponsor
University of New Mexico
Brief Summary

Randomized controlled trial of participants with scoliosis into standard treatment with observation/bracing and the other group will have the added treatment of dynamic myofascial manipulation for 6 months.

Detailed Description

The purpose of this study is to conduct a pilot study of the Dynamic Myofascial and Articular Mobilization and Reorganization (DMAMR) treatment in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). The investigators propose the implementation of Dynamic Myofascial and Articular Mobilization and Reorganization (DMAMR) protocol can (a) decrease and/or reduce progression of spinal curvatures, (b) reduce degree of anatomical rib hump deformity common in AIS, (c) decrease incidence of patients requiring corrective bracing and/or corrective spinal surgery, (d) significantly reduce AIS-associated pain, and (e) improve quality of life for AIS participants.

This study will test whether DMAMR produces clinically relevant changes in progression of scoliosis curvatures and rib humps, and whether this treatment protocol improves pain scores and quality of life.

Current research has demonstrated unilateral muscle shortening in AIS. Of most importance for this research proposal, research has also identified a set of muscles, portions of which are at an angle to the spine, that are shorter on the concave side of the curvature: the quadratus lumborum, psoas major and minor, and the abdominal obliques. The researchers have suggested this is a compensatory effect of the spinal deformities seen1. The investigators agree that unilateral muscle shortening is present in AIS but the investigators suggest that this asymmetry represents differences between muscle tension on either side of the spine and results in a tethering effect on the spine itself. Supporting a finding of the importance of these muscle imbalances, research using individualized physical therapeutic exercise programs to balance these types of muscle imbalances has demonstrated effectiveness in AIS treatment.

The investigators hypothesize this asymmetrical muscle imbalance, and its resultant tethering effect on the spine, represent myofascial dysfunction. The investigators believe the forces generated by this dysfunction are sufficient to induce worsening of the AIS curvature. The myofascial factors involved in the tethering of the spine in AIS include asymmetrical muscle imbalances involving muscles at an angle to the spine, primarily iliopsoas, quadratus lumborum, abdominal obliques, latissimus dorsi, and anterior serratus muscles.

Fascia overlies and interpenetrates these muscles. At a critical point, these myofascial imbalances generate sufficient stress on the overlying fascia to create a further contractile force within the fascia itself. The investigators ask whether this contractile force is mediated not only by anatomic shortening of individual muscle groups but also by intrinsic changes in fibroblast gene expression within the fascia itself.

The investigators further hypothesize that the asymmetrical muscle imbalances observed in AIS may be part of a larger contracted fascial spiral force influencing the development and progression of deformity. Therefore, treatment of the muscles, fascia, and related articular dysfunction may contribute to the control or reduction of AIS-associated deformities including scoliotic curvatures and accompanying rib humps. Effective treatment of these imbalances and deformities may reduce or eliminate AIS-associated spinal area pain, which the investigators hypothesize is largely myofascial in nature.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
21
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age from 10-15
  • Scoliosis curve of 15-30 degrees on cobb angle
  • Risser stage of 0-2
Exclusion Criteria
  • outside of age range, cobb angle or maturity level

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Treatment with Dynamic Myofascial ManipulationStandard AIS treatment with observation or bracingThese are the participants that still received the standard treatment with observation or bracing depending on the size of their curve, but also had weekly treatment with a chiropractor for 6 months for dynamic myofascial manipulation
Standard treatment for AISStandard AIS treatment with observation or bracingThese are the participants with AIS that recieved the standard treatment with observation or bracing depending on the size of their curve.
Treatment with Dynamic Myofascial ManipulationDynamic myofascial manipulationThese are the participants that still received the standard treatment with observation or bracing depending on the size of their curve, but also had weekly treatment with a chiropractor for 6 months for dynamic myofascial manipulation
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Scoliometer DegreeAt time of enrollment

The degree of rotation measured clinically with a scoliometer

Cobb Angle6 months from time of enrollment

Cobb angle as measured on x-ray

SRS-226 months from time of enrollment

The SRS-22 or Scoliosis Research Society-22 is a functional survey for the patient to fill out on their scoliosis. This survey has been validated in the literature. It is a 22 question survey on the functional status and pain that a patient experiences. Created by the scoliosis research society. There is a scoring rubric that goes with the survey. This survey has 5 domains that are covered with the minimum score of 22 and the maximum score of 110. The higher the score the better the patient is doing in the domains of: Activities of Daily Living, Mental Health, Pain, Patient Satisfaction, Positive Affect, Quality of Life, Social Relationships, and Stress/Coping.

Pain Scale6 months from time of enrollment

Question asking each participant about their back pain level using a visual analog scale of 0-10. Zero is no pain and 10 is the worst pain they have ever felt.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

UNM Carrie Tingley Hospital

🇺🇸

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States

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