The Effect of the Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Parameters and Functional Capacity in Idiopathic Scoliosis

The Effect of the Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Parameters and Functional Capacity in Idiopathic Scoliosis

The Effect of the Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Respiratory Function and Functional Capacity in Adolescents With Idiopathic Scoliosis

Scoliosis is the abnormality of the spine with direct effects on the shape and mechanics of the thoracic cage. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is the most common 3-dimensional deformity of the spine which can potentially affect respiratory function, exercise capacity as well as the performance of inspiratory and expiratory muscles. During growth morphological changes of thoracic cage affects the pulmonary tissues and functions. Respiratory functions shows negative changes due to Cobb angle, curve localization, number of vertebra and onset age in patient with scoliosis. Exercise approaches include respiratory training program and aim to improve respiratory functions.It is reported that respiratory muscle weakness is a potent contributor to pulmonary impairment in mild, moderate, and severe forms of scoliosis. Studies showed that exercise training and respiratory exercises may improve respiratory function and exercise capacity in patients with AIS. Thus the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength, respiratory function and functional capacity in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Scoliosis, Inspiratory Muscle Training, Exercise Training, Respiratory Exercise Training, Pulmonary Function Test, 6-Minute Walk test, Respiratory Muscle Strength

Patients in this group will receive a home based exercise program. Home based exercise program includes deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises, resistive local expansion exercise on the collapsed areas in scoliosis concave sides, dynamic lumber stabilization, strengthening of inter scapular muscles, posture and stretching exercises once a day for 8 weeks. One of the exercise sessions was supervised by physiotherapist each week.

In addition to home based exercise program, patients in this group will also receive inspiratory muscle training for 15 minutes, twice a day, 7 days a week for 8 weeks. One exercise session will be supervised in our clinic per week, other sessions will be performed at home.

Program will include deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises, local expansion exercise on the collapsed areas in scoliosis concave sides with elastic exercise bands, dynamic lumber stabilization exercises for core stabilisation, strengthening of interscapular muscles with elastic bands and stretching exercises for lumbar extensor, hip flexor and hamstring muscles. Exercises will be applied 2 sets of 10 repetitions and once a day.

Threshold IMT device will be used for the training. Training intensity will set at 30% of the maximum inspiratory pressure after assessment of respiratory muscle strength for each patient every week.

Inclusion Criteria: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis diagnosis Exclusion Criteria: Documented diagnosis any of cardiopulmonary, neurological, orthopedic or mental disorders which may affect the assessment results. Subjects previously involved in exercise training or physiotherapy programs Subjects previously undertaken any of spinal surgeries.