The efficacy of 3D personalized insoles in moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Bracing and exercise methods were used in scoliosis rehabilitation and proven effective. There was little evidence about the efficacy of insoles on scoliosis. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of 3D personalized insoles on curve magnitude, postural stability, and quality of life (QOL) in moderate adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Methods Thirty-six volunteers with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, who had moderate curves (20°-45°), were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups. The control group received traditional rehabilitation with bracing and exercises, and the experimental group received the insole interventions in addition to traditional rehabilitation. The outcome measures were Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), postural stability, and quality of life (Scoliosis Research Society-22 questionnaire). Measurements were conducted at baseline examination, two months and six months. Results After two and six months of treatment, the Cobb angle and ATR in both groups were significantly decreased as compared with the baseline (p 0.05). There was a significant difference in the sagittal balance index at six months compared to the control group (p 0.05). Conclusion Combining bracing with exercise in patients with moderate AIS is effective. 3D personalized insoles cannot reduce the Cobb angle and angle of trunk rotation of patients with moderate AIS but might have the potential to improve postural stability.

Keywords

• Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
• Insole
• Bracing
• Exercises
• Rehabilitation