EFFECT OF PROGRESSION OF ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS ON GAIT PARAMETERS

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the influence of the degree of severity of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) on the distribution of plantar load on the feet during gait. Material and Methods: 40 patients with AIS were evaluated and divided into severity groups: 13 with mild AIS; 13 with moderate AIS; and 14 with severe AIS. Cobb angles (degrees) were evaluated by radiography. Gait was assessed using the pressure platform at a frequency of 100 Hz. The adolescents walked on a 20-meter track, with their feet resting on the platform, totaling an average of 12 steps. The following were evaluated: contact area, peak pressure, and maximum force on the 4 regions of the feet: hindfoot (medial and lateral), midfoot, and forefoot. Results: Adolescents with moderate and severe AIS showed an increase in peak pressure and maximum force on the medial (p=0.014; p=0.045, respectively) and lateral (p=0.035; p=0.039, respectively) hindfoot and a reduction on the midfoot (p=0.024) when compared to mild AIS. The contact area showed no differences between groups. Conclusion: The moderate and severe degree of AIS severity promoted increased plantar load on the medial and lateral hindfoot (heel) during gait compared to adolescents with a mild degree of scoliotic curvature. In this way, gait training in the milder stages of disease severity can minimize the overload and the increase in force vectors on the spine, preventing the progression of severe scoliotic curvature. Level of Evidence II; Cross-sectional study.