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Idiopathic scoliosis (IS) can significantly alter the quality of life of adolescents. Some of the available questionnaires in French measuring the quality of life in this population show weak psychometric properties. The newly developed Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life (ISYQOL) questionnaire promises better properties.To provide a French-Canadian version of the ISYQOL and to verify its psychometric characteristics.Prospective validation of a cross-cultural adaptation of the ISYQOL questionnaire.A total of 111 participants with idiopathic scoliosis (77.5% female, 10-18 years old, mean Cobb angle=28°) were included in the study.The French-Canadian version of the Italian Spine Youth Quality of Life (ISYQOL-F) questionnaire.The ISYQOL was translated into French using a forward-backward approach. We then verified the understanding of the translated items with two scoliosis experts and 10 adolescents. Afterward, 111 adolescents with IS were recruited by convenience at the scoliosis clinic and they completed the ISYQOL on three occasions (before seeing the specialist, 1 week, and 2 weeks after). Cronbach's alpha, intra-class (ICC), and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to respectively determine internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and concurrent validity with the SRS-22r and SF-12. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and 95% confidence minimal detectable change (MDCThe ISYQOL-F showed good internal consistency with a Cronbach alpha of 0.81 and 0.85 respectively for items 1-13 (n=55; ISYQOL-F mean score ± SD = 63.9±13.5) and 1-20 (n=56; ISYQOL-F mean score ± SD=60.7±10.3). Test-retest reliability was excellent (ICCThe internal consistency and reliability of ISYQOL-F are good. The total score correlates moderately with the SRS-22r and SF-12. Unlike SRS-22r, the ISYQOL-F does not appear to have a ceiling effect. The ISYQOL-F may thus be suitable to assess quality of life in a population of French-Canadian adolescents with IS.

The intervertebral efforts, i.e., forces and torques, during gait have been recognized as influencing the progression of scoliosis, due to the mechanical modulations according to the Hueter-Volkmann Law. Therefore, these efforts are key variables for posture correction and to control the progression of scoliosis. Using the intervertebral efforts during gait for the clinical follow-ups has never been performed. For this, it would be necessary to identify amongst all these efforts the most relevant ones, which is the objective of this study. A previously developed dynamical model of the human body was used to compute the 3 D intervertebral efforts during the gait of 15 participants with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and 12 typically developed adolescents (TDA). Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Two-sample t-test were applied on the calculated intervertebral efforts and the graphs of intervertebral efforts were studied. Antero-posterior (AP) forces and torques and medio-lateral (ML) forces are the most relevant intervertebral efforts amongst the other efforts in adolescents with AIS during gait. Discussion: Gait analysis in adolescents with AIS based on the relevant intervertebral efforts could be an effective means to follow-up and evaluate the progression of scoliosis during their treatment period. This study highlights the most relevant intervertebral efforts of individuals with AIS during gait. As future work, the identified intervertebral efforts could be implemented in a quantified and visual feedback tool for therapeutic and performance evaluation or interactive sessions in physiotherapy, e.g., via video games for dynamic posture self-correction.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a complex common disorder of multifactorial etiology defined by a deviation of the spine in three dimensions that affects approximately 2% to 4% of adolescents. Risk factors include other affected family members, suggesting a genetic component to the disease. The POC5 gene was identified as one of the first ciliary candidate genes for AIS, as three variants were identified in large families with multiple members affected with idiopathic scoliosis. To assess the prevalence of p.(A429V), p.(A446T), and p.(A455P) POC5 variants in patients with AIS, we used next-generation sequencing in our cohort of French-Canadian and British families and sporadic cases. Our study highlighted a prevalence of 13% for POC5 variants, 7.5% for p.(A429V), and 6.4% for p.(A446T). These results suggest a higher prevalence of the aforementioned POC5 coding variants in patients with AIS compared to the general population.

Objective This study aims at examining the cortical dynamics of sensorimotor information processing related to balance control in participants with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and in age-matched controls (CTL). Methods Cortical dynamics during standing balance control were assessed in 13 girls with AIS and 13 age-matched controls using electroencephalography. Time-frequency analysis were used to determine frequency power during ankle proprioception alteration (ankle tendons co-vibration interval) or reintegration of ankle proprioception (post-vibration interval) with or without vision. Results Balance control did not differ between groups. In the co-vibration interval, a significant suppression in alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (13–30 Hz) band power and a significant increase in theta (4–7 Hz) band power were found respectively in the vision and non-vision condition in the AIS group compared to the CTL group. In the post-vibration interval, significant suppressions in beta (13–30 Hz) and gamma (30–50 Hz) band power were observed in the AIS group in the non-vision condition. Conclusion Participants with AIS showed brain oscillations differences compared to CTL in the sensorimotor cortex while controlling their balance in various sensory conditions. Significance Future study using evaluation of cortical dynamics could serve documenting whether rehabilitation programs have an effect on sensorimotor function in AIS.

In a bimanual task, proprioception provides information about position and movement of upper arms. Developmental studies showed improvement of proprioceptive accuracy and timing adjustments of muscular events from childhood to adulthood in bimanual tasks. However, the cortical maturational changes related to bimanual coordination is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate cortical correlates underlying motor planning and upper limb stabilization performance at left (C3) and right (C4) sensorimotor cortices using event-related potential (ERP) analyses. We recruited 46 participants divided into four groups (12 children: 8–10 years, 13 early adolescents: 11–13 years, 11 late adolescents: 14–16 years and 10 young adults: 20–35 years). Participants performed a bimanual load-lifting task, where the left postural arm supported the load and the right motor arm lifted the load. Maximal amplitude of elbow rotation (MA%) of the postural arm, reaction time (RT) and EMG activity of biceps brachii bilaterally were computed. Laplacian-transformed ERPs of the electroencephalographic (EEG) signal response-locked to motor arm biceps EMG activity onset were analyzed over C3 and C4. We found a developmental effect for behavioral and EEG data denoted by significant decrease of MA% and RT with age, earlier inhibition of the biceps brachii of the postural arm in adults and earlier EEG activation/inhibition onset at C3/C4. Amplitude of the negative wave at C4 was higher in children and early adolescents compared to the other groups. In conclusion, we found a maturational process in cortical correlates related to motor planning and upper limb stabilization performance with interhemispheric lateralization appearing during adolescence. Findings may serve documenting bimanual performance in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Background Global postural re-education (GPR) is a physiotherapy treatment approach for pediatric idiopathic scoliosis (IS), where the physiotherapist qualitatively assesses scoliotic curvature reduction potential (with a manual correction) and patient’s ability to self-correct (self-correction). To the author’s knowledge, there are no studies regarding GPR applied to IS, hence there is a need to better understand the biomechanics of GPR curve reduction postures. The objective was to biomechanically and quantitatively evaluate those two re-education corrections using a computer model combined with experimental testing. Methods Finite elements models of 16 patients with IS (10.5–15.4 years old, average Cobb angle of 33°) where built from surface scans and 3D radiographic reconstructions taken in normal standing and self-corrected postures. The forces applied with the therapist’s hands over the trunk during manual correction were recorded and used in the FEM to simulate this posture. Self-correction was simulated by moving the thoracic and lumbar apical vertebrae from their presenting position to their self-corrected position as seen on radiographs. A stiffness index was defined for each posture as the global force required to stay in the posture divided by the thoracic curve reduction (force/Cobb angle reduction). Results The average force applied by the therapist during manual correction was 31 N and resulted in a simulated average reduction of 26% (p

Introduction Several studies revealed balance control alterations in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) suggesting cortical sensorimotor processing impairments. This study aims at examining the cortical dynamics of sensorimotor information processing related to balance control in different sensory tasks in participants with AIS and in age-matched controls (CTL) using electroencephalography (EEG). Methods Cortical dynamics during normal standing balance and during ankle tendons co-vibration (proprioception alteration) and post-vibration (proprioception reintegration) were assessed in 16 girls with AIS and 15 CTL using EEG. The participants stood on a force platform. Fourier transform and time-frequency analysis were used to determine alpha peak frequency (APF) and band power synchronization/desynchronization in all conditions with and without vision. Balance performances were assessed through the distance covered by the center of pressure (COP). Results COP did not differ between groups in all conditions. APF was larger in the AIS group at central, frontal and parietal regions. In the co-vibration condition, a significant desynchronization in alpha (8–12 Hz) and beta (13–30 Hz) band power and a significant increase in theta (4–7 Hz) band power were found respectively in the vision and non-vision condition in AIS compared to CTL. In the post-vibration condition, significant desynchronization in beta and gamma (30–50 Hz) band power were observed in the AIS group in the non-vision condition. Discussion/conclusion Differences in APF and frequency band power in AIS compared to CTL may indicate the need for increased cortical processing to maintain balance control. Future investigations may help understand the pathomechanism of progressive scoliosis.

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by a tridimensional deformation of the spine. AIS pathophysiology is still unclear and its aetiology is unknown. Results from several studies revealed balance control alterations in adolescents with AIS suggesting cortical sensorimotor processing impairments. Studies assessing cortical activity involved in balance control revealed an increase in alpha peak frequency (APF), which is a neurophysiological marker of thalamo-cortical transmission, related to a more challenging balance task. The objective of this study is to assess APF of adolescents with AIS during balance control in upright standing posture using electroencephalography (EEG). EEG was recorded in 16 girls with AIS and 15 control girls in normal standing posture on a force platform. The participants stood upright for 2 min with eyes open and 2 min with eyes closed. Fast Fourier transformations of EEG data were calculated to obtain APF. Balance performances were assessed through the area of an ellipse covering the center of pressure (COP) displacement and the root mean square value of the COP velocity. Compared to the control group, APF was higher in the AIS group at central, frontal, parietal and occipital regions. Further, COP analyses did not reveal any difference between AIS and control groups. A higher APF may indicate the need for increased cortical processing to maintain balance control in normal upright standing in adolescents with AIS compared to healthy controls. We suggest that this may be a compensatory strategy to overcome balance control challenges.

Background There is a lack of evidence-based quantitative clinical methods to adequately assess posture. Our team developed a clinical photographic posture assessment tool (CPPAT) and implemented this tool in clinical practice to standardize posture assessment. The objectives were to determine the level of acceptance of the CPPAT and to document predictors as well as facilitators of and barriers to the acceptance of this tool by clinicians doing posture re-education. Methods This is a prospective study focussing on technology acceptance. Thirty-two clinician participants (physical therapists and sport therapists) received a 3–5 h training workshop explaining how to use the CPPAT. Over a three-month trial, they recorded time-on-task for a complete posture evaluation (photo - and photo-processing). Subsequently, participants rated their acceptance of the tool and commented on facilitators and barriers of the clinical method. Results Twenty-three clinician participants completed the trial. They took 22 (mean) ± 10 min (SD) for photo acquisition and 36 min ± 19 min for photo-processing. Acceptance of the CPPAT was high. Perceived ease of use was an indirect predictor of intention to use, mediated by perceived usefulness. Analysis time was an indirect predictor, mediated by perceived usefulness, and a marginally significant direct predictor. Principal facilitators were objective measurements, visualization, utility, and ease of use. Barriers were time to do a complete analysis of posture, quality of human-computer interaction, non-automation of posture index calculation and photo transfer, and lack of versatility. Conclusion The CPPAT is perceived as useful and easy to use by clinicians and may facilitate the quantitative analysis of posture. Adapting the user-interface and functionality to quantify posture may facilitate a wider adoption of the tool. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12891-018-2272-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) cancel the destabilizing effects of movement on posture. Across development, the maturation of APAs is characterized by an accurate adjustment of the timing parameters of electromyographic (EMG) response. The study aimed at investigating the maturation of cortical oscillations involved in the improvement of APAs efficiency. Thirty-six healthy participants (8–16 yr) performed the bimanual load-lifting task in which subjects are instructed to lift a load, placed on the left forearm, with the right hand. EMG data were acquired over the biceps brachii on the postural arm to the determine EMG response onset. Electroencephalographic signals were analyzed in the time-frequency domain by convolution with complex Gaussian Morlet wavelets. Electrophysiological signature of APAs in children and adolescents consisted of a mu-rhythm desynchronization over the sensorimotor cortex contralateral to the postural arm. Across development, the mu-rhythm desynchronization was characterized by a progressive shift forward of the onset of the desynchronization, lower amplitude, and velocity. These changes occurred along with an alteration of the timing of the EMG response, as shown by an earlier onset of the flexor inhibition with increasing age. The maturational changes in the Mu-oscillations might sustain the development of APAs. A possible role of the Mu-oscillation in the generation of postural command is discussed. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Across development, our study showed a progressive shift forward of the parameters of the mu-rhythm desynchronization. These changes occurred along with an alteration of the timing parameters of the electromyographic response, as shown by an earlier onset of the flexor inhibition with increasing age. The progressive development of APAs during childhood and adolescence might therefore be sustained by maturational electrophysiological changes that include mu-rhythm oscillation modifications in the postural sensorimotor cortex.

Back pain is significantly more common among adults compared with children; however, it still represents an important issue in the pediatric population, and back pain in childhood is a predictor for back pain in adulthood. One potential predictor of back pain in childhood is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The authors of this article conducted a retrospective chart review involving 310 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The prevalence of back pain and management of the pain/scoliosis were assessed, as well as the relationship between the severity of scoliosis and intensity of the pain., BACKGROUND: Back pain (BP) has often been associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which is a three-dimensional deviation of the vertebral column. In adolescents, chronic pain appears to be a predictor of health care utilization and has a negative impact on physical, psychological and family well-being. In this population, BP tends to be persistent and may be a predictor of BP in adulthood. OBJECTIVE: To document the prevalence and management of BP in AIS patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of AIS patients who were referred to Sainte-Justine University Teaching Hospital (Montreal, Quebec) from 2006 to 2011 was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 310 randomly selected charts were reviewed. Nearly one-half of the patients (47.3%) mentioned that they experienced BP, most commonly in the lumbar (19.7%) and thoracic regions (7.7%). The type of BP was documented in only 36% (n=112) of the charts. Pain intensity was specified in only 21% (n=65) of the charts. In approximately 80% (n=248) of the charts, no pain management treatment plan was documented. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of BP was moderately high among the present sample of adolescents with AIS. An improved system for documenting BP assessment, type, treatment plan and treatment effectiveness would improve pain management for these patients.

Background Context Posture changes are a major consequence of idiopathic scoliosis (IS). Posture changes can lead to psychosocial and physical impairments in adolescents with IS. Therefore, it is important to assess posture, but the test-retest reliability of posture measurements still remains unknown in this population. Purpose The primary objective of the present study was to determine the test-retest reliability of 25 head and trunk posture indices using the Clinical Photographic Postural Assessment Tool (CPPAT) in adolescents with IS. The secondary objective was to determine the standard error of measurement and the minimal detectable change. Study Design/Setting This is a prospective test-retest reliability study carried out at two tertiary university hospital centers. Patients Sample Forty-one adolescents with IS, aged 10–16 years old with curves 10°–45° and treated by medical intervention, were recruited. Methods Two posture assessments were done using the CPPAT 5–10 days apart following a standardized procedure. Photographs were analyzed with the CPPAT software by digitizing reference landmarks placed on the participant by a physiotherapist evaluator. Generalizability theory was used to obtain a coefficient of dependability, standard error of measurement, and the minimal detectable change at 90% confidence interval. Results Fourteen of 25 posture indices had a good reliability (ϕ≥0.78), 10 had moderate reliability (ϕ=0.55–0.74), and 1 had poor reliability (ϕ=0.45). The most reliable posture indices were waist angle asymmetry (ϕ=0.93), right waist angle (ϕ=0.91), and frontal trunk list (ϕ=0.92). Right sagittal trunk list was the least reliable posture index (ϕ=0.45). The MDC90 values ranged from 2.6 to 10.3° for angular measurements and from 8.4 to 35.1 mm for linear measurements. Conclusions The present study demonstrates that most posture indices, especially the trunk posture indices, are reproducible in time among adolescents with IS and provides reference values. Clinicians and researchers can use these reference values to assess change in posture over time attributable to treatment effectiveness.

Study Design: Reliability-validity study. Objectives: The plumbline is commonly used to evaluate trunk list in a clinical setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate reliability and validity of the plumbline to measure trunk list in persons with idiopathic scoliosis. Secondary objectives include evaluating effects of foot position on trunk list measurement and evaluating reliability and validity of the trunk list measurement obtained from photographs. Summary of Background Data: Measurement of trunk list is an important component of posture evaluation. The plumbline is commonly used to evaluate trunk list in a clinical setting. However, information on reliability and validity is lacking. Methods: Trunk list was measured on 55 participants with idiopathic scoliosis with plumbline and photographic methods on 2 occasions by the same evaluator. At each occasion, 2 measurements were taken with feet together (FT) and two with feet apart (FA). Trunk list was calculated on radiographs taken that day. Generalizability theory was used to estimate the reliability and standard error of measurement (SEM) for the overall, testeretest and inter-trials designs. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were used to assess validity of trunk list compared with the radiographic method. Results: Plumbline measurement demonstrated high testeretest reliability (FT: f 5 .98 and SEM 5 2.0e2.2 mm; FA: f 5 .98, SEM 5 2.0 mm)andhighinter-trialreliability(FT:f5.99,SEM51.2mm;FA:f5.99,SEM51.2mm).Thetesteretestandinter-trialreliabilityofthe photographic method was slightly lower for the 2 foot positions (f5.90e.98; SEM: 2.7e5.8 mm). Theplumbline and photographic methods had good correlation with the measure obtained via radiograph (plumbline: r 5 .79e.83; photograph: r 5 .75e.78) in both foot positions. Conclusions: The measurement of trunk list using the plumbline or via photograph is both reliable and valid for both foot positions. 2013 Scoliosis Research Society.

The objective of this study was to explore whether differences in standing and sitting postures of youth with idiopathic scoliosis could be detected from quantitative analysis of digital photographs. Standing and sitting postures of 50 participants aged 10–20-years-old with idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angle: 15° to 60°) were assessed from digital photographs using a posture evaluation software program. Based on the XY coordinates of markers, 13 angular and linear posture indices were calculated in both positions. Paired t-tests were used to compare values of standing and sitting posture indices. Significant differences between standing and sitting positions (p < 0.05) were found for head protraction, shoulder elevation, scapula asymmetry, trunk list, scoliosis angle, waist angles, and frontal and sagittal plane pelvic tilt. Quantitative analysis of digital photographs is a clinically feasible method to measure standing and sitting postures among youth with scoliosis and to assist in decisions on therapeutic interventions.

International audience; During action, Anticipatory Postural Adjustments (APAs) cancel the consequences of a movement on postural stabilization. Their muscular expression is characterized by early changes in the activity of the postural muscles, before the movement begins. To explore the mechanisms enabling the acquisition of APAs, a learning paradigm was designed in which the voluntary lifting of a load with one hand triggered the unloading of another load suspended below the contralateral forearm. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the muscular expression that uncovers the progressive learning of new APAs. A trial-by-trial analysis of kinematic and electromyographic signals recorded on the right arm was conducted in twelve adults through six sessions of learning. Kinematic results reported an enhancement of the postural stabilization across learning. The main EMG pattern found during learning consisted of a flexor inhibition, where latency was shifted towards an earlier occurrence in parallel with the improvement of the postural performance. A linear regression analysis conducted between the inhibition latency and the maximal amplitude of elbow rotation showed that the earlier the inhibition onset, the better the postural stabilization. This study revealed that the progressive shift of the postural flexor inhibition latency could be considered as a reliable neurophysiological marker of the progressive learning of new APAs. Importantly, this marker could be used to track motor learning abnormalities in pathology. We relate our findings to the update of a forward predictive model of action, defined as a system that predicts beforehand the consequences of the action on posture.

Objective To determine overall, test–retest and inter-rater reliability of posture indices among persons with idiopathic scoliosis. Design A reliability study using two raters and two test sessions. Setting Tertiary care paediatric centre. Participants Seventy participants aged between 10 and 20 years with different types of idiopathic scoliosis (Cobb angle 15 to 60°) were recruited from the scoliosis clinic. Main outcome measures Based on the XY co-ordinates of natural reference points (e.g. eyes) as well as markers placed on several anatomical landmarks, 32 angular and linear posture indices taken from digital photographs in the standing position were calculated from a specially developed software program. Generalisability theory served to estimate the reliability and standard error of measurement (SEM) for the overall, test–retest and inter-rater designs. Bland and Altman's method was also used to document agreement between sessions and raters. Results In the random design, dependability coefficients demonstrated a moderate level of reliability for six posture indices (ϕ = 0.51 to 0.72) and a good level of reliability for 26 posture indices out of 32 (ϕ ≥ 0.79). Error attributable to marker placement was negligible for most indices. Limits of agreement and SEM values were larger for shoulder protraction, trunk list, Q angle, cervical lordosis and scoliosis angles. The most reproducible indices were waist angles and knee valgus and varus. Conclusions Posture can be assessed in a global fashion from photographs in persons with idiopathic scoliosis. Despite the good reliability of marker placement, other studies are needed to minimise measurement errors in order to provide a suitable tool for monitoring change in posture over time.

Purpose. Clinicians commonly assess posture in persons with musculoskeletal disorders and tend to do so subjectively. Evidence-based practice requires the use of valid, reliable and sensitive tools to monitor treatment effectiveness. The purpose of this article was to determine which methods were used to assess posture quantitatively in a clinical setting and to identify psychometric properties of posture indices measured from these methods or tools. Methods. We conducted a comprehensive literature review. Pertinent databases were used to search for articles on quantitative clinical assessment of posture. Searching keywords were related to posture and assessment, scoliosis, back pain, reliability, validity and different body segments. Results. We identified 65 articles with angle and distance posture indices that corresponded to our search criteria. Several studies showed good intra- and inter-rater reliability for measurements taken directly on the persons (e.g., goniometer, inclinometer, flexible curve and tape measurement) or from photographs, but the validity of these measurements was not always demonstrated. Conclusion. Taking measurements of all body angles directly on the person is a lengthy process and may affect the reliability of the measurements. Measurement of body angles from photographs may be the most accurate and rapid way to assess global posture quantitatively in a clinical setting.

STUDY DESIGN: Concurrent validity between postural indices obtained from digital photographs (two-dimensional [2D]), surface topography imaging (three-dimensional [3D]), and radiographs. OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of a quantitative clinical postural assessment tool of the trunk based on photographs (2D) as compared to a surface topography system (3D) as well as indices calculated from radiographs. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To monitor progression of scoliosis or change in posture over time in young persons with idiopathic scoliosis (IS), noninvasive and nonionizing methods are recommended. In a clinical setting, posture can be quite easily assessed by calculating key postural indices from photographs. METHODS: Quantitative postural indices of 70 subjects aged 10 to 20 years old with IS (Cobb angle, 15 degrees -60 degrees) were measured from photographs and from 3D trunk surface images taken in the standing position. Shoulder, scapula, trunk list, pelvis, scoliosis, and waist angles indices were calculated with specially designed software. Frontal and sagittal Cobb angles and trunk list were also calculated on radiographs. The Pearson correlation coefficients (r) was used to estimate concurrent validity of the 2D clinical postural tool of the trunk with indices extracted from the 3D system and with those obtained from radiographs. RESULTS: The correlation between 2D and 3D indices was good to excellent for shoulder, pelvis, trunk list, and thoracic scoliosis (0.81>rr

Trunk imbalance (ie, frontal trunk shift measured with a plumb line from C7 to S1) is part of the clinical evaluation in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), but its prevalence and relationship with scoliosis, back pain, and health-related factors are not well documented.The principal objectives are to document trunk imbalance prevalence and to explore the association between trunk imbalance and the following factors: Cobb angle, type of scoliosis, back pain, function, mental health, and self-image. The secondary objective is to determine back pain prevalence and the relationship between back pain and each of the following: Cobb angle, function, mental health, and self-image.This is a cross-sectional study in a scoliosis clinic of a tertiary university hospital center.The sample includes youth with AIS (N=55).The outcome measures were trunk imbalance prevalence and magnitude, and back pain prevalence and intensity using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) pain score, and the function, self-image, and mental health domains of the SRS-22.Trunk imbalance and back pain were assessed in 55 patients with AIS (Cobb angle: 10-60°). Patients completed the SRS-22 questionnaire and the NPRS. Correlations were done between trunk imbalance and scoliosis (Cobb angle, type of scoliosis), back pain (NPRS and SRS-22 pain score), and health-related factors using Pearson correlation coefficients (r) and logistic regression models.Trunk imbalance prevalence is 85% and back pain prevalence is 73%. We found fair to moderate significant positive correlation between trunk imbalance and Cobb angle (r=0.32-0.66, p.05) but not with back pain, function, mental health, self-image, or type of scoliosis. Lower self-reported pain significantly correlated with lower Cobb angles (r=0.29, p=.03), higher function (r=0.55, p=.000), higher self-image (r=0.44, p=.001), and better mental health (r=0.48, p=.000). There was a trend for trunk imbalance to be related with lower pain in logistic regression models.The high prevalence of trunk imbalance in AIS highlights the importance of screening for this clinical sign in growing adolescents. Further research should be done with regard to the treatment of trunk imbalance and its implication on both Cobb angle and back pain.

Laboratory semi-batch flotation tests were conducted with two different sulphide ore samples using various degrees of size reduction. The selectivity curves show that some minerals are more sensitive to particle size reduction than other ones suggesting that preferential associations of minerals may exist in the ore.

International audience; The aim of this study was to explore, during adolescence, alterations in the use of a sensori-motor representation as unveiled by the measurement of anticipatory postural control in a bimanual load-lifting task. We hypothesised that adolescence constitutes a period of refinement of anticipatory postural control due to on-going updates of the body schema and sensori-motor representations. The anticipatory postural control was assessed using a bimanual load-lifting paradigm in which subjects stabilise their left postural forearm, which is supporting an object, while they use their right hand to lift up the object. Kinematics and electromyographic data were recorded in two groups of adolescents (11-13 and 14-16 years of age) and a group of adults. Age and gender effects were tested. During voluntary unloading, the postural forearm stabilisation in adolescents was still different from the adult one, suggesting that further improvement of the postural forearm stabilisation must take place after the age of 16. No differences occur in the two adolescent groups. Moreover, girls presented a better stabilisation of the postural forearm than boys, indicating an earlier refinement of anticipatory postural control. The decrease of activity over postural flexors, which ensure postural stabilisation, appeared later in adolescents with respect to adults. Delayed timing adjustments and increased variability could reflect intense developmental processes underlain by an intense period of CNS maturation during adolescence. We discuss the role of brain maturation in the refinement of sensori-motor representations and the update of body schema.

Gait analysis is actually used in subjects with scoliosis to determine the change in lower limb parameters after surgery, but the reliability of these parameters still remained unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the repeatability of traditional gait parameters in subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to estimate the associated standard error of measurement (SEM). A test-retest design was used to assess the reliability of gait parameters at self-selected and fast speeds. A convenience sample of 20 girls aged from 12 to 17 years, with an idiopathic scoliosis (King classification: types I, II or III; Cobb angle 17-50 degrees) participated in the study. Five good trials were recorded on two occasions. The time-distance, kinematic, and kinetic gait parameters were recorded using foot-switches in combination with a three-dimensional motion analysis system (Optotrak) and Advanced Mechanical Technologies Inc., (AMTI) Watertown, MA, USA; force plates. The coefficients of dependability and SEM derived from the generalizability theory were used to assess the reliability. Inter-trial reliability was good for time-distance, kinematic, and kinetic (absolute and normalized) gait parameters except for the medio-lateral ground reaction force (GRF) component and the ankle dorsiflexor moment (phi = 0.60-0.77). Test-retest reliability was higher for the kinetic than for the kinematic parameters. These coefficients ranged from 0.42 to 0.58 for the time-distance parameters; from 0.55 to 0.88 for the angular displacements and from 0.25 to 0.99 for the kinetic parameters. The SEMs were lower than 3.3 degrees for the angular displacements and lower than 8 Nm (0.15 Nm/kg) and 36 W (0.54 W/Kg) for the joint moments and powers regardless of the speed. Several gait parameters are reliable among subjects with AIS and can be used to assess the evolution of the spinal modifications and the impact of treatment on their lower limb gait pattern.

78 Rythme mu et precision temporelle de l’inhibition musculaire : une longue maturation au cours de l’adolescence F. Barlaama,b,c,d,e, C. Fortina,b,c, M. Vaugoyeaua,b,c, C. Schmitzd,e, C. Assaiantea,b,c a Laboratoire de neuroscience cognitive, LNC, UMR 7291, centre national de la recherche scientifique, centre Saint-Charles, pole 3C, Case C, 3, place Victor-Hugo, 13331Marseille cedex 3, France b Aix-Marseille universite, Marseille, France c Federation de recherche N3512, comportement, cerveau, cognition, Marseille, France d Inserm U1028, CNRS UMR5292, equipe DYCOG, centre de recherche en neuroscience de Lyon, centre hospitalier Le Vinatier (Bât. 452), 95, boulevard Pinel, Bron, France e Universite Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France

Background In the Global postural re-education (GPR) evaluation, posture alterations are associated with anterior or posterior muscular chain impairments. Our goal was to assess the reliability of the GPR muscular chain evaluation. Methods Design: Inter-rater reliability study. Fifty physical therapists (PTs) and two experts trained in GPR assessed the standing posture from photographs of five youths with idiopathic scoliosis using a posture analysis grid with 23 posture indices (PI). The PTs and experts indicated the muscular chain associated with posture alterations. The PTs were also divided into three groups according to their experience in GPR. Experts’ results (after consensus) were used to verify agreement between PTs and experts for muscular chain and posture assessments. We used Kappa coefficients (K) and the percentage of agreement (%A) to assess inter-rater reliability and intra-class coefficients (ICC) for determining agreement between PTs and experts. Results For the muscular chain evaluation, reliability was moderate to substantial for 12 PI for the PTs (%A: 56 to 82; K: 0.42 to 0.76) and perfect for 19 PI for the experts. For posture assessment, reliability was moderate to substantial for 12 PI for the PTs (%A > 60%; K: 0.42 to 0.75) and moderate to perfect for 18 PI for the experts (%A: 80 to 100; K: 0.55 to 1.00). The agreement between PTs and experts was good for most muscular chain evaluations (18 PI; ICC: 0.82 to 0.99) and PI (19 PI; ICC: 0.78 to 1.00). Conclusions The GPR muscular chain evaluation has good reliability for most posture indices. GPR evaluation should help guide physical therapists in targeting affected muscles for treatment of abnormal posture patterns.

Background Although studies suggest underuse of epinephrine in food related allergic reactions, it is not clear whether treatment may differ over time in those who have already had an allergic reaction. We sought to characterize treatment of the most recent allergic reaction to peanut versus the initial allergic reaction. Materials and methods Individuals with an allergist-confirmed peanut allergy were recruited from the Montreal Children’s Hospital and Canadian food allergy advocacy organizations. Data were collected on initial allergic reactions to peanut and most recent reaction to peanut during the year prior to study entry.

Background Correction of posture is an important goal of physiotherapy interventions in persons with idiopathic scoliosis (IS) to prevent scoliosis progression and to reduce morphologic deformities and their impact on quality of life. Currently, there are no clinical tools that globally quantify changes in posture attributable to scoliosis progression or treatment effectiveness. Purpose The goal of this study was to develop and validate a new clinical quantitative posture assessment tool among persons with IS. Methods