Muscle strength in the anti-graviational and dorsal extensor muscles of children with scoliosis.

Background. A review of the literature indicates that exercises strengthening the dorsal extensor muscles occupy a significant place in the program of posture reeducation. These exercises are usually performed in positions other than vertical. It has not been proven, however, that the strength of these muscles in children with scoliosis is insufficient to hold the spine in an upright position. As a result of evolution, the human being walks upright, against gravity. In normal conditions, then, the strength of the antigravitational muscles would seem to be the most important. The purpose of our research was to investigate the strength of the antigravitational muscles and the long dorsal muscles in a group of children with scoliosis. Material and methods. 51 children were tested in a special stand for the measurement of maximum force in these muscle groups, during isometric contraction for 10 seconds. The examinations were performed using a "MikroFET 2" device in cooperation with a computer and the "Hercules 2000" software. Results. The initial results showed considerable individual differentiation in the strength of the antigravitational and dorsal extensor muscles among the study population. The differentiation was decidedly greater in relation to the antigravitational muscles. With some isolated exceptions the strength of these muscles was greater than the strength of the dorsal extensors. Interestingly, there was no significant correlation with the children's age or the degree of spinal curvature. Conclusions. The strength of the afore-mentioned muscles appears to be of secondary importance for maintaining the correct posture.