Isokinetic Imbalance of Hip Abductor/Adductor Muscles in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

Background: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a progressive growth disease that affects spine biomechanics, and left-right trunk symmetry, however its effect on lower limb muscles strength remains unclear. Purpose: The aims of this study were to compare the isokinetic strength for hip abductor and adductor muscles in AIS with that of healthy individuals, and also to detect the effect of scoliosis location and curve direction on hip abductor and adductor strength. Subjects: this study was conducted on 44 patients with AIS and 23 controls. All patients were selected having structural double curve scoliosis ranged between 20 to 50 degrees Cobb's angle. Methods: AIS patients were divided according to the direction of the primary curve into two groups; right and left scoliosis. Isokinetic torques of the hip abductor and adductor muscles were assessed in both groups of patient and compared to the control one. Results: There was a significant increase in peak torque values of left hip abductor muscles (p 0.05). Conclusion: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis causes hip abductor and adductor muscle imbalance. Consequently, assessment and rehabilitation of idiopathic scoliosis should include restoring proper muscle balance of hip abductor and adductor muscles regarding the scoliosis curve direction.