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Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate and long-term effects of breathing exercises on simple and choice reaction time. Materials and Methods: A total of 31 participants were included in the study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group (IG; n:16) received 12 sessions of breathing exercises for four weeks (three days a week), while the control group (CG; n:15) received no intervention. Both groups underwent the same assessments at the same times: at baseline, after the first exercise session, and after four weeks/after 12 exercise sessions. Reaction time was assessed using three conditions: choice reaction time (CRT) of the upper limb, auditory reaction time (ART), and visual reaction time (VRT) tests. The first assessment was applied at baseline. The second assessment measured the short-term effect of the breathing exercises after the study group received their first breathing exercise session. The third assessment, to determine the long-term effect, was repeated four weeks after the baseline (A4W) assessment after completing 12 breathing exercises. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups at baseline, immediately, and A4W (p < 0.05) for the VRT, ART, and CRT results with the dominant hand (DH), whereas a group-by-time interaction was found only for the visual reaction time results with the non-dominant hand (nDH) (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study, which included the evaluation of the immediate and long-term effects of breathing exercises on reaction time, showed an improvement in visual reaction time between the groups over time. In further studies, it is recommended to evaluate the changes and responses in the central nervous system with objective methods to reveal the effect of breathing exercises on reaction time more clearly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: This study focused on the impact of mental fatigue induced by motor imagery on upper limb function, an area with limited research compared to lower limb performance. It aimed to explore how diaphragmatic breathing exercises influence these effects. Materials and Methods: This study included 30 participants, and Group 1 participated in 12 sessions of diaphragmatic breathing exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist; Group 2 did not receive any intervention. For all the participants, mental fatigue was induced with motor imagery before and after the intervention, and evaluations were performed before and after mental fatigue. Upper extremity functions were evaluated using isometric elbow flexion strength, hand grip strength, upper extremity reaction time and endurance, finger reaction time, the nine-hole peg test, shoulder position sense, light touch-pressure threshold, and two-point discrimination. Results: The study results showed that after mental fatigue, there was a decrease in isometric elbow flexion strength, nondominant hand grip strength, and nondominant upper extremity endurance, and an increase in nondominant tactile sensation (p < 0.05). No changes were found in two-point discrimination, nine-hole peg test time, and position sense on either side (p > 0.05). The effect of mental fatigue on isometric elbow flexion strength and nondominant grip strength showed significant improvement following diaphragmatic breathing exercises (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study found that mental fatigue from motor imagery can impact elbow flexion, hand grip strength, upper extremity endurance, and tactile sensitivity. Breathing exercises may help improve strength parameters affected by mental fatigue. It is crucial to consider these effects on upper extremity functions in rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients have been found to exhibit cortical asymmetry. Although asymmetries in cortical structures have been found in patients with AIS, there has been no research on how conservative treatments affect cerebellar functional organization. Aims: This study aimed to examine the impact of conservative treatments on perceptual and cognitive asymmetry in the auditory system assessed by dichotic listening in AIS patients with thoracic major curves. Method: This study involved 30 AIS patients and 21 healthy subjects. The intervention group used a Cheneau brace and performed 18 Schroth Best Practice (SBP) exercise sessions. Auditory lateralization was assessed using the Dichotic Listening Paradigm (DLP) in both groups before and after the intervention. Results: The 6-week intervention resulted in a significant increase in left ear responses in the force-left condition in the AIS (p < 0.05). Left ear responses were lower in AIS at baseline (p < 0.05). The results at week 6 were similar in all conditions (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that SBP exercises and Cheneau brace treatment can improve perceptual and cognitive asymmetry in the auditory system in AIS patients with thoracic major curve. Scoliosis-associated changes in the spine and postural control may affect auditory perception by causing adaptations in sensory and motor networks. Future studies are needed to examine the connectivity in brain regions related to motor control and auditory processing after conservative treatment. Trial registration: Clinical trials number: NCT06141759. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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(1) Background: Semi-hanging and muscle cylinder exercises have been defined as scoliosis-specific corrective exercises. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of muscle cylinder and semi-hanging exercises on the angle of trunk rotation in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). (2) Methods: Twenty-seven patients with AIS with a mean age of 18.6 years were retrospectively analyzed. The angle of trunk rotation (ATR) values were measured before and after performing semi-hanging and standing muscle cylinder exercises. Both exercises were performed for three to five respiratory cycles. The semi-hanging exercise was performed first, followed by the muscle cylinder exercise, in this order, in all participants. For statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze ATR changes after the exercises, and the Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare ATR changes according to the main curve location. (3) Results: The thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar maximum ATR values were significantly increased after the semi-hanging exercise (p < 0.001) and decreased after the muscle cylinder exercise (p < 0.001). The ATR change was greater in the lumbar region than in the thoracic and thoracolumbar regions. (4) Conclusion: The results of this study of a small group of patients emphasized that one of the scoliosis-specific corrective exercises, the standing muscle cylinder exercise, improved ATR, while the other, the semi-hanging exercise, worsened ATR in patients with AIS. It is recommended that each scoliosis-specific corrective exercise be evaluated and redesigned to maximize the three-dimensional corrective effect, considering the biomechanics of the spine and the pathomechanics of scoliosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of relaxed and corrected posture applied while sitting and standing on the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 38 patients with AIS. Corrected sitting and standing postures were taught according to the Schroth Best Practice® method, and patients were asked to sit/stand for 5 min. ATR was measured using a scoliometer before and after four postural positions: relaxed sitting and standingand corrected sitting and standing. Results: The mean age of the participants was 14 years, the Cobb angle was 28.63°, and the ATR was 8.14°. Baseline ATR values increased after relaxed sitting and standing postures and decreased after corrected sitting and standing (p<0.001). Improvements in corrected sitting were superior to corrected standing (p<0.001). ATR values increased more in relaxed sitting than in relaxed standing (p=0.008). Conclusion: The results showed that corrected posture might have a corrective effect on scoliosis curvature during activities of daily living (ADL). Integrating ADL adaptations into a rehabilitation program may help decrease asymmetric loading on the spine in growing adolescents with AIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The cervical and lumbar spines are the more mobile parts of the spinal column than the thoracic spine. Reference range of motion (ROM) measurements is one of the important clinical outcome measures used in patient assessment and follow-up of treatment efficacy. The aim of this study was to obtain normative values of cervical and lumbar ROM in young adults. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised 300 healthy volunteers (198 female, 102 male, mean age: 21.4±1.9 years, range, 18-29 years). Cervical (C) and lumbar (L) ROM values were measured in three planes with a two-arm digital goniometer according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) criteria. The mean ROM measurements were analyzed according to gender using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Cervical ROM values were determined to be: cervical flexion 57.7±8.2º, extension 59.1±10.2º, right-left lateral flexion 42.1±7.9º-41.4±7.7º, and right-left rotation 71.1±10.5º-70.2±9.7º. There was no statistically significant difference between the genders with respect to the cervical ROM (p>0.05). The lumbar ROM values were determined to be lumbar flexion 69.9±14.5º, extension 40±10.2º, right-left lateral flexion 36.3±6.4º-36.2±6.6º, and right-left rotation 38.4±8.7º-38.6±9.4º. The lumbar flexion ROM values were statistically significantly higher in females than in males (p=0.043). Conclusion: The flexion and extension angles of the lumbar spine in the sagittal plane were higher in females than in males, and there was no difference between the genders regarding all the other cervical and lumbar joint ROM values. These goniometrically measured cervical and lumbar ROM values were found to be generally similar to the widely used reference values of AAOS and Kendall McCreary. Further research is needed on the effects of individual differences such as physical activity or inactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the number of studies showing the efficacy of conservative treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has increased, studies with long-term follow-up are very limited. The aim of this study was to present the long-term effects of a conservative management method including exercise and brace in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients with idiopathic scoliosis who presented at our department and were followed up for at least 2 years after completing the treatment. The main outcome measurements were the Cobb angle and angle of trunk rotation (ATR). Results: The cohort participants were 90.4% female, with a mean age of 11 years and the maximum Cobb angle was mean 32.1°. The mean post-treatment follow-up period was 27.8 months (range 24–71 months). The improvements after treatment in mean maximum Cobb angle (p < 0.001) and ATR (p = 0.001) were statistically significant. At the end of treatment, the maximum Cobb angle was improved in 88.1% of the patients and worsened in 11.9% compared to baseline. In the long-term follow-up evaluations, 83.3% of the curvatures remained stable. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that moderate idiopathic scoliosis in growing adolescents can be successfully halted with appropriate conservative treatment and that long-term improvement is largely maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have shown that perceptual and cognitive asymmetries are present in the auditory system in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The Dichotic Listening (DL) paradigm was formerly performed in non-forced (NF) conditions only, and no study has examined the conditions of attention to one ear. Objective: To investigate the perceptual and cognitive asymmetry in the auditory system in patients with AIS as well as the asymmetry changes according to the curvature characteristics of patients with AIS. Method: The DL paradigm was performed on 38 patients with AIS and 10 healthy individuals in all conditions (NF, Forced Right [FR], Forced Left [FL]). Results: In the NF and FL conditions, the mean number of correct responses for the left ear was significantly lower in patients with AIS than in healthy individuals (p < 0.05). The correct responses for the right ear in the NF condition, right and left ear in the FR condition, and right ear in the FL condition did not show a significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Also, there was no difference between patients with AIS with both functional 3-curve and 4-curve (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our study indicates perceptual and cognitive asymmetry or lateralisation in the auditory system in patients with AIS. The asymmetry might be caused by the inability to direct their attention to the left ear, which is not affected by their curvature type. Further studies are needed to investigate perceptual and cognitive asymmetry behaviour models in the auditory system in patients with AIS. Clinical implications: Determination of perceptual and cognitive asymmetry in the auditory system may offer a new perspective on conservative treatment protocols for AIS patients. Besides, the DL paradigm can be easily used in patients with AIS as a non-invasive evaluation method in clinics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In pattern-specific scoliosis exercises and bracing, the corrective treatment plan differs according to different curve patterns. There are a limited number of studies investigating the reliability of the commonly used classifications systems. Objective: To test the reliability of the augmented Lehnert-Schroth (ALS) classification and the Rigo classification. Methods: X-rays and posterior photographs of 45 patients with scoliosis were sent by the first author to three clinicians twice at 1-week intervals. The clinicians classified images according to the ALS and Rigo classifications, and the data were analysed using SPSS V-16. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard error measurement (SEM) were calculated to evaluate the inter- and intra-observer reliability. Results: The inter-observer ICC values were 0.552 (ALS), 0.452 (Rigo) for X-ray images and 0.494 (ALS), 0.518 (Rigo) for the photographs. The average intra-observer ICC value was 0.720 (ALS), 0.581 (Rigo) for the X-ray images and 0.726 (ALS) and 0.467 (Rigo) for the photographs. Conclusions: The results of our study indicate moderate inter-observer reliability for X-ray images using the ALS classification and clinical photographs using the Rigo classification. Intra-observer reliability was moderate to good for X-ray images and clinical photographs using the ALS classification and poor to moderate for X-ray and clinical photographs using the Rigo classification. Clinical implications: Pattern classifications assist in creating a plan and indication of correction in specific scoliosis physiotherapy and pattern-specific brace applications and surgical treatment. More sub-types are needed to address the individual patterns of curvature. The optimisation of curve classification will likely reduce failures in diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the information needs of individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and their families when the disease was first diagnosed. Materials and Methods: A total of 117 patients with AIS and their parents volunteered to participate in this study. A survey developed specifically to assess the information needs of AIS patients and their families was sent by e-mail. Of the AIS patients, 59.8% were aged >16 years and completed the survey alone, and 40.2% were aged <16 years and they completed the survey together with their parents. Results: The results of this study demonstrated that in the initial diagnosis, scoliosis could be observed even if the angle was <20°. Generally, scoliosis was first noticed by the child's mother. As expected, at the time of the initial diagnosis, the children diagnosed as having scoliosis were upset and confused and their parents also felt upset and worried. The information most needed was reported to be answers to the questions of "Will it get better, what are the causes of scoliosis?", "What is scoliosis and what are the possible treatment options?", and the least frequently asked question was "Will surgery be needed?" Conclusion: Clear, accurate, complete, and personalized information is required by patients and their families. This information is essential in enabling patients to make major decisions and to take ownership and responsibility for the decision. Involvement in decision-making helps to improve compliance with treatment and finally also improves satisfaction with the agreed treatment method used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: The effectiveness of night braces alone or in combination with other treatments for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis remains unclear. This systematic review study aimed to review and analyze the available literature to determine whether night braces are an effective treatment for idiopathic scoliosis. Methods: A total of 162 databases, including Cochrane Library (reviews, protocols, trials), Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Scopus, PEDro, CINAHL (EBSCO), Ovid and Google Scholar, were searched for published articles from inception to February 2024. The available literature was screened by the following terms: "scoliosis and night-time brace", "scoliosis and night brace", "scoliosis and part-time bracing", "scoliosis and Providence" and "scoliosis and Charleston". Results: Twenty studies were included; only one study was a randomized controlled trial, and most of the studies were retrospectively designed. Providence, Charleston and Boston braces were used as night braces. The Cobb angle was evaluated in all studies, and Cobb angle change after treatment and surgical treatment rates were the parameters that were evaluated the most. In one study, the angle of trunk rotation, quality of life, perception of spinal appearance, and physical activity level were measured. In one study, sagittal plane assessments were performed in addition to the Cobb angle. Conclusions: The results of this review suggest that there is no evidence to support the use of night braces in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Randomized controlled trials with a well-designed methodology are needed to determine the efficacy of night braces.

Background: Bracing is an essential part of scoliosis treatment. The standard of brace treatment for patients with scoliosis today is still very variable in terms of brace quality and outcome. The Gensingen brace is a further developed Chêneau brace derivative with individual design, which can be adapted through computer-aided design., Objective: This study aims to generate a template to obtain a database for prospective multicenter studies study to analyze the results of high-corrective asymmetric Gensingen brace treatment for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS)., Methods: A template for the database was created, which contains the patients' basic data (age, menarcheal status, Risser Sign, curve pattern, and daily brace wearing time), the Cobb angles of curvature, and the cosmetically relevant angles of trunk rotation (ATR). A retrospective review of medical records of patients with AIS, who met the Scoliosis Research Society's inclusion criteria for brace studies, was performed to test the feasibility of the template. Template items were filled in by the researchers., Results: Out of 115 patients between 2014 and 2018, the complete data of 33 patients followed up at least 3 months after complete Gensingen brace weaning could be analyzed. The mean age was 12 years, the mean Cobb angle was 33.6°, and the mean Risser value was 0.7 at the beginning of the treatment. The mean improvement in the Cobb angle on in-brace x-ray imaging was -26.1 ० (80% of in-brace correction). The Cobb angle of the major curvature changed as follows: curve stabilization was achieved in 7 (21.2%) cases, and curve improvement was achieved in 26 (78.8%) cases. None of the patients showed a curve progression. The Cobb angle was significantly reduced in the brace at the end of treatment and at follow-up evaluation (P<.001). ATR improved significantly for thoracic (P<.001) and lumbar curves (P<.001)., Conclusions: The database proved to be informative in the assessment of radiological and clinical outcome parameters. The example data set we have generated can be a helpful tool for professionals who work in clinics but do not store regular patient data. Especially with regard to different patient collectives worldwide, different results may be achieved with the same standards of care. In addition, the results of this study suggest that above-average correction effects with a full-time brace application lead to significant improvements in the Cobb angle after brace treatment has been completed., (©Xiaofeng Nan, Tuğba Kuru Çolak, Burçin Akçay, Hua Xie, Liwei Zhao, Maksym Borysov. Originally published in JMIR Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology (https://rehab.jmir.org), 10.01.2024.)