The effect of brace use on balance in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Background: Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) have poorer standing balance compared with their healthy peers. However, the immediate effects of the braces used in the treatment on balance remain uncertain. Objective: To investigate the effect of brace use on balance and weight-bearing symmetry in patients with AIS and to compare the results of different brace designs. Study design:Observational. Methods: A total of 21 patients with AIS aged 10-17 years using 10 Boston and 11 Cheneau braces participated. Immediate balance and weight-bearing symmetries of patients with and without their own braces were evaluated. Balance assessment was performed using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) on a computerized dynamic posturography device. Weight-bearing symmetry was evaluated on the computerized dynamic posturography device with the knees in full extension, with the knees flexed at 30 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees. Results:Regardless of its design, it was found that brace use had no effect on immediate balance and weight-bearing symmetry (p > 0.05). Of the patients using a Boston brace, unbraced SOT condition 2, 3, and 5 and composite scores were found to be higher than their braced scores (p < 0.05). Braced SOT condition 3 scores of the patients using a Cheneau brace were higher than those using a Boston brace (p = 0.037). Brace use and brace types have no statistical effect on weight-bearing symmetry. Conclusions: It was observed that brace use in patients with AIS has no positive effect on immediate balance and weight-bearing symmetry, and the use of Boston brace negatively affects immediate balance scores and increases visual dependence.