Abstract

Background. Scoliosis is defined as a multi-dimensional deformity of the spine frequently associated with a compensatory spinal curvature and changes in pelvic and lower limb alignment. Changes in the spatial arrangement of the foot joints may affect coordination of movement patterns, muscle balance and static and dynamic proprioceptive control. The aim of this study was to assess dynamic and static postural control in children with scoliosis and different longitudinal foot arch patterns. Material and methods. The study involved 69 children aged 5 to 18 years with scoliosis confirmed by an orthopaedist. The patients were treated at orthopaedic outpatients clinics and had not undergone previous operative treatment. Longitudinal foot arch parameters were assessed with a Podoskop (Posmed, Poland) device and the Wejsflog index.. Static and dynamic postural control was assessed with a CQStab2P Stabilometric Platform (two-platform version, CQ Elektronik System, Poland) and the Delos Postural System (Delos s.r.l., Italy). Results. In the children with reduced functional efficiency of the feet, the sway path and the sway area were higher during stabilometric measurements with eyes closed. Mean postural priority among persons with inefficient feet did not exceed 60%. Conclusions. Preliminary results indicate the presence of disturbances of balance and proprioception among children with scoliosis and reduced or poor functional efficiency of the feet.

Key words:

posture, foot, scoliosis, postural balance