Evaluation of the use of an antigravity device in leveling functional inequalities of the lower limbs and inhibiting the progression of idiopathic scoliosis.

Background: The conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) may be enhanced through a combination of specialized physiotherapy, bracing, and the utilization of assistive devices.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the GraviSpine device in supporting the conservative treatment of IS in children.

Material and methods: A cohort of 142 patients, aged 10-17 years with an average age of 12.76 ±1.75 years, undergoing treatment for IS with specific physiotherapy and bracing, received additional treatment with the GraviSpine device. The participants, selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, were divided into 2 age groups: group A (10-12 years) and group B (13-17 years). The mean follow-up period was 28.71 ±10.98 months. The assessment involved changes in post-treatment trunk rotation angles (ATR), Cobb angles, and functional lower limb length discrepancies (FLLDs) concerning age groups and scoliosis location.

Results: The proportion of patients showing improvement and stabilization was high in both groups A and B, at 71% and 90%, respectively. In group B, a significant reduction in the mean Cobb angle of -1.83° ±6.88°, p < 0.002, was observed. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the incidence of FLLDs was noted in thoracic and lumbar scoliosis locations, p < 0.002.

Conclusions: To enhance the effectiveness of conservative treatment for IS, the utilization of an assistive device such as GraviSpine may be considered, particularly when the child presents functional inequality of the lower limbs.