Does scapular asymmetry affect shoulder joint position sense and muscle strength in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis? A pilot study

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Aims: The aim of this pilot study was to compare shoulder joint position sense (JPS) and shoulder muscle strength in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) with and without scapular asymmetry and to analyze the results obtained in both groups in terms of convex and concave sides of the curve. Methods: Individuals with AIS with primary right thoracic curvature and right dominant upper extremity were included in the study. The presence of scapular asymmetry was judged by Kibler's Lateral Scapular Slide Test. The study was completed with a total of 21 individuals with AIS, 10 with scapular asymmetry (Asymmetrical Group) and 11 without scapular asymmetry (Symmetrical Group). After the demographic and Cobb angle data of the individuals were obtained, other measurements were taken. JPS was evaluated by digital inclinometer at 60° shoulder flexion and 60° shoulder abduction positions. Shoulder flexion and abduction muscle strengths were evaluated with a handheld dynamometer. All measurements performed at of both extremities. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and Cobb angle (p>0.05). JPS of the concave side shoulder joint at 60 degrees of flexion had a statistically significant high in the asymmetrical group (p= 0.029). In contrast, the angular deviation values of flexion and abduction motion were similar on the concave and convex sides in both groups (p>0.05). Shoulder muscle strength was similar between the asymmetrical and symmetrical groups (p>0.05). In the intra-group comparison of concave and convex side shoulder flexor and abductor muscle strengths in the asymmetrical group no difference was found (p>0.05); it was found that there was a significant low in the convex side shoulder abductor muscle strength within the symmetrical group (p= 0.023). Conclusion: The results of our study revealed that scapular asymmetry affects shoulder JPS in individuals with AIS but has no effect on muscle strength. Further studies with a higher number of subjects and objective measurement methods are needed for a more detailed evaluation of scapular kinematics, which directly affects soft tissues, in individuals with AIS.