Functional asymmetry of gait in children and youth with low-grade scoliosis.

Background. Compensation for abnormal alignment of body parts in scoliosis may occur above or below the pelvis. This manifests as dislocation of body parts or changes in the angular composition of the lower limbs. Compensation for unbalanced body arrangement through changes in pelvic tilt and lower limb joints are typically reflected in the gait pattern of the person with scoliosis. The aim of our research was to determine whether and how improper body arrangement in the frontal plane is reflected in the gait pattern of children and youth with lower degree scolioses. Material and method. Children and youth with scolioses of varying grade were examined. In addition to photogrammetric body posture examination, three-dimensional gait analysis was performed during particular gait phases. For each examined child the results of this analysis were compared to the posture parameters. Results. Varying signs of gait asymmetry were observed in the whole group of children and youth with scoliosis. The symptoms were connected with both general gait attributes (unisommetry and unisochrony) and further gait markers. The most obvious changes were observed in pelvis rotation during the swing phase and excessive pelvis elevation during the mid-stance phase. These deviations did not correlate significantly with the results of the static examination. Conclusions. The gait asymmetries observed in children and youth with low-grade scoliosis are non-specific, and probably depend on the individual capabilities of each person to compensate for deficiencies.