Relevance of Surface Electromyography Assessment and Sleep Impairment in Scoliosis: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: According to statistics, worldwide, the number of young persons diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis has tripled in the last 10 years. This tendency seems to be related to the development of technological devices that induce vicious postures. Specialized literature shows that the predicted evolution will lead to a tripling of the population affected by scoliosis by 2050. Associated complications can be most varied, with functional or respiratory and cardiac impairment being the most severe. The purpose of this study is to objectify the effect of associating Schroth therapy with general elements of global postural reeducation (GPR) therapy in the treatment of scoliosis using electromyography, scoliosis assessment scales, and sleep quality evaluation. The present study is addressed to scoliotic patients. Methods: In order to assess the muscle imbalance installed in scoliosis, we have used SEMG, while Epworth, Baecke, and SAQ scales assessed sleepiness, physical activity levels, and self-perception of the scoliotic patient. Results: After performing a therapeutic protocol that combines Schroth and global postural reeducation (GPR) exercises, an improvement of the functional status was observed for the scoliotic patients. The statistical analysis presents a favorable symmetry index during flexion (p = 0.042), a significant difference in the Epworth score (p = 0.002), as well as a significant difference in the SAQ2 score (p = 0.049). Conclusion: Early detection of scoliosis prevents functional degradation. On the other hand, developing an adequate therapeutic protocol leads to an improved functional status and increased life quality.