Korse Kullanan Adölesan İdiyopatik Skolyozlu Bireylerde Omuz Pozisyonu, Üst Ekstremite Propriyosepsiyonu ve Üst Ekstremite Fonksiyonunun İncelenmesi

Abstract

Our study aimed to investigate shoulder position, upper extremity proprioception, and upper extremity function in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis who use braces. The research included 21 adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis and 14 healthy peers. Participants with scoliosis were evaluated under two conditions: in-brace and out-of-brace. Shoulder position was assessed using a photographic method, upper extremity proprioception (measured as angular deviation) was evaluated using the Laser Pointer-Assisted Angle Reproduction Test. Upper extremity function was assessed; through muscle strength testing, the Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test, the Medicine Ball Throw Test, the Finger-to-Nose Test, the Nellson Hand Reaction Test, and the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test. The scoliosis group, angular deviation at 90° shoulder flexion was significantly lower in-brace condition (p<0.05). However, angular deviation at 55° was higher in the out-brace condition compared to the healthy group (p<0.05). Closed and open kinetic chain movement performance was significantly better in the out-brace condition than in-brace condition among individuals with scoliosis (p<0.05). The scoliosis group demonstrated lower closed kinetic chain movement function and upper extremity coordination in the out-brace condition compared to the healthy group (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in shoulder position between the braced and out-brace conditions (p>0.05). A positive correlation was observed between shoulder position of the right shoulder and angular deviation (p<0.05). This study shows that brace use improves upper extremity proprioception at certain angles but negatively affects some functional parameters and does not alter shoulder position. As the first study to comprehensively evaluate these parameters together and examine the impact of brace use on shoulder position, it provides valuable insights and serves as a foundation for future research with larger sample sizes. Keywords: Scoliosis, Brace, Upper Extremity, Proprioception, Function