Functional capacity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis during the postoperative period

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) show reduced exercise capacity during the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT). However, we not know how patients behave in the late postoperative (LPO) period. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ISWT distance (ISWTD) and physiological responses during ISWT in AIS patients during the LPO period. Methods: We included 22 patients with AIS in the LPO period (SG) and 21 adolescents in the Control Group (CG). We assessed pulmonary function (FVC and FEV1). During ISWT, a gas analyzer was used to assess peak oxygen (VO2) and submaximal relations: Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Slope (OUES) and the breathing pattern (ΔVT/ΔlnVE). Results: Significantly lower values were observed in SG: VO2 (22 ± 5 vs. 27 ± 4), ISWTD(567 ± 94 vs.604 ± 86), FVC (2.70 ± 0.47 vs. 3.33 ± 0.52) and FEV1 (2.41 ± 0.46 vs. 2.84 ± 0.52). There were significant correlations between ISWTD and VO2/Kg (r = 0.80); between OUES and ΔVT/ΔlnVE (r = 0.65); and between the main thoracic curve with VO2/Kg (r= -0.61). Conclusion: AIS patients in the LPO period have significantly reduced exercise capacity associated with reduced lung function, residual spinal curve and cardiovascular deconditioning. Level of Evidence III; Prognostic Studies - Investigation of the effect of characteristic of a patient on the outcome of the disease.