174376 Scoliosis and sports participation: A literature review and recommendations

Monday, October 27, 2008: 8:45 AM

Bart Green, MSEd, DC , Branch Medical Clinic MCAS Miramar, Naval Medical Center San Diego, San Diego, CA
Claire Johnson, MSEd, DC , Editor, Professor, National Univerisity of Health Sciences, Oceanside, CA
Background: Scoliosis is commonly defined as a lateral spinal curvature > 11 degrees. Scoliosis end-of-adolescence prevalence = 2-3%. There are approximately 500, 000 US adults with scoliosis; potential complications include back pain and heart/lung disorders.

Objective: To review the literature and other authoritative sources for recommendations regarding the appropriateness of sport participation for those with scoliosis.

Methods: The scientific literature was searched in PubMed, CINAHL, the Index to Chiropractic Literature and the National Guidelines Clearinghouse from the earliest date of each database through January 2008. Search terms included ‘scoliosis' in combination with: athletic injuries, athletic performance, sport performance, public health, sports, athletics. All languages and research designs were included. Additional articles were found by using the ‘related articles' link and by obtaining references identified in articles retrieved. Websites of authoritative scoliosis organizations were searched for position/white papers about scoliosis and physical activity.

Results: Out of 472 article hits, 61 were potentially relevant. Based upon screening papers by reading the titles and abstracts, 28 papers were retrieved. Five of these papers were relevant to the study representing grade 4 and 5 levels of evidence. No position/white papers were found on the websites of seven organizations.

Conclusion: Little objective evidence exists to inform recommendations to patients, policy makers, or providers regarding the safety, efficacy, or risks of sport participation for people with scoliosis. We recommend that an expert panel review the available evidence, provide expert consensus statements for stakeholders, and make recommendations for athletic guidelines and future research endeavors.

Learning Objectives:
1. Define scoliosis. 2. Describe the state of the literature relating to scoliosis and participation in sport. 3. Identify areas for policy development related to physcial activity and scoliosis.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Chiropractic

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was primarily involved in study concept design, data analysis, and writing of the paper.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Developing Integrative Approaches to Patient Care
See more of: Chiropractic Health Care