The effectiveness of self-correction of body posture in girls with idiopathic scoliosis.

Background. The aim of our study was to assess self-correction of body posture depending on the position assumed. We made observations of the body posture of subjects in the habitual-unrestrained position and the forced erect position, and on that basis we assessed the capacity for self-correction in girls with lateral idiopathic scoliosis. Material and method. The research group consisted of 20 girls, aged 11-18 years (ave. 13.8), divided into two groups depending on the location of the primary scoliosis. The quality of the body posture in habitual and erect position was assessed by computerized photogrammetry, using the moiré technique. Results. In both groups, the mean values in habitual position indicate moderate (indicated by angular indexes) or large asymmetry (indicated by linear indexes). After the subjects had assumed upright position, linear indexes indicated moderate scoliosis and angular indexes indicated slight scoliosis. There were statistically significant differences in asymmetry of the trunk between the habitual and right position in the group of primarily thoracal and primarily thoracolumbar scolioses. A high correlation coefficient may be useful for detecting these types of scolioses. In both groups the asymmetry of the bone points was primarily large or moderate. The differences between the two types of scoliosis were not statistically significant. The only statistically significant correlation was observed between the differences in the distance of the lower scapular angles from the spine (OL).