Idiopathic scoliosis, characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine combined with rotation, predominantly affects adolescents during their growth spurts. Bracing is a common non-surgical treatment designed to prevent curve progression in moderate scoliosis.
The role of physical activity, especially sports, in managing scoliosis has been a topic of interest among researchers and healthcare providers. So, can adolescents who wear a brace for idiopathic scoliosis participate in sports?
Understanding Idiopathic Scoliosis and Bracing
Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common form of scoliosis, with no identifiable cause. The condition typically manifests during adolescence, a critical period for physical development. Bracing often aims to halt or slow the progression of spinal curvature during growth by applying external pressure to the torso. In some cases, like the ScoliBrace®, the aim can also be to reduce the curve wherever possible. The success of bracing largely depends on the number of hours worn daily, making adherence a crucial factor.
Challenges and Benefits of Sports Participation
Participating in sports while wearing a brace presents unique challenges, including physical discomfort, restricted movement, and psychological impact. However, the benefits of engaging in sports and physical activities are substantial, including improved physical health, enhanced mental well-being, and better social integration.
Is Physical Activity a Preventive Measure for Progression of AIS?
The 2023 study by Negrini et al. explored the role of physical activity as a preventive measure for idiopathic scoliosis (1). This study found that regular physical activity could potentially mitigate the progression of scoliosis, highlighting the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle even for those wearing a brace (1). The study concluded that adolescents who engaged in regular physical activity had a reduced chance of scoliosis progression compared to their less active peers. This study does not directly relate to bracing for AIS, yet it explores the progression risk of adolescents who complete sport and those who do not. Understanding that sport reduces the risk of progression may be useful during brace treatment.
In addition to preventing curve progression, sports participation and increased sports frequency has been shown to improve reduction of Cobb angles in patients who wear a brace (2).
A study conducted in 2018 reveals that sports activities increase the odds of improvement at 18-month follow-up in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis treated with a full-time brace. Regular sports activity increases the odds of reducing scoliosis by 5° or more. This paper also suggests that the odds of improvement in those being treated for AIS increased with sports week frequency. This study confirms that undergoing bracing treatment for AIS whilst participating in sporting activities is possible … and usually recommended!
What are the benefits outside of scoliosis? How else does this help my brace journey?
Whilst sport is beneficial for curve reduction and prevention of curve progression, it is important to note that participation in sports also has positive impacts on patients psychological well being during bracing treatment (3).
The International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) has highly endorsed the involvement of patients who are braced in sports. It has been reported that adolescents with scoliosis who exercise regularly, show higher self-esteem and have better psychological outcomes. This is especially true for patients who are undergoing brace treatment. Greater psychological wellbeing is linked to higher levels of compliance, which, in turn, is linked to improved outcomes in terms of cobb angle.
Practical Implications and Recommendations
Based on the insights from these studies, several practical recommendations can be made for healthcare providers, parents, and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis:
- Promote Physical Activity: Encourage regular participation in non-contact sports and physical activities that enhance overall fitness, strength, and flexibility. It is important that the patient sees a health professional specifically trained in scoliosis management to determine if any modifications to their sport are required.
- Education and Support: Educate adolescents and their families about the benefits of sports participation and how it can positively impact scoliosis management. Providing psychological support can also help adolescents cope with the challenges of wearing a brace.
- Foster a Positive Environment: Create a supportive environment that encourages adolescents to stay active. Positive reinforcement from parents, coaches, and peers can significantly enhance compliance and overall well-being.
The research conducted over the past few years has provided valuable insights into the role of sports in the lives of braced adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The findings highlight that participation in physical activities and sports is not only safe but also beneficial for managing scoliosis. Encouraging an active lifestyle can improve physical health, enhance mental well-being, and promote better compliance with bracing protocols.
By integrating these research findings into clinical practice, healthcare providers can offer more comprehensive and effective management plans for adolescents with scoliosis. Emphasizing the importance of physical activity and creating a supportive environment can help these adolescents lead healthier, more active lives while effectively managing their condition.
Questions about Bracing?
You might have already started on your bracing journey, or may be considering if bracing is right for you. Either way, it’s natural to have lots of questions. There are many different types of braces for scoliosis bracing, but not all braces are made the same.
The ScoliBrace is a custom made brace, designed and made for each individual patient. For kids and teens, the brace’s over-corrective approach and asymmetrical design harnesses spinal coupling, not 3 point pressure, for the best possible clinical outcomes.
If you have questions about ScoliBrace or bracing treatment in general, get in touch with a ScoliBrace Provider near you. They are also well equipped to provide guidance in the area of sport participation for patients living with AIS.
References
- Negrini, A., Donzelli, S., Vanossi, M., Poggio, M., Cordani, C., Zaina, F., & Negrini, S. (2023). Sports participation reduces the progression of idiopathic scoliosis and the need for bracing. An observational study of 511 adolescents with Risser 0-2 maturation stage. European journal of physical and rehabilitation medicine, 59(2), 222–227. https://doi.org/10.23736/S1973-9087.23.07489-0
- Negrini, A., Poggio, M., Donzelli, S., Vanossi, M., Cordani, C., Romano, M., & Negrini, S. (2022). Sport improved medium-term results in a prospective cohort of 785 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis braced full time. SOSORT 2018 award winner. European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 31(11), 2994–2999. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-022-07370-0
- Negrini S, Donzelli S, Aulisa AG et al (2018) 2016 SOSORT guidelines: orthopaedic and rehabilitation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth. Scoliosis Spinal Disord. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13013-017-0145-8
