Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, Paraspinal muscle, Physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise, Surface electromyography, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, RC925-935

Abstract Background While Insights into the dynamics of the paraspinal muscles can contribute to more targeted interventions for individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), few studies have focused on changes in the paraspinal muscles of AIS during Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercise (PSSE). Therefore, this study compared the differences in muscle activities between AIS and healthy subjects during PSSE, aiming to provide a scientific guidance of clinical treatment and daily life for AIS. Methods Twelve S-shaped AIS and ten age-matched healthy controls participated. Five paired target paraspinal muscle groups (upper end vertebra, apex vertebra, lower end vertebra of the thoracic and apex vertebra, lower end vertebra of the lumbar) were assessed by surface electromyography (sEMG) during five postures: relaxed sitting, erect sitting, symmetrical pole-sitting correction and asymmetrical pole-sitting over-correction (1 and 2). Hold each posture for 20s and repeat 3 times to obtain sEMG data. Results The results revealed that exercises effectively activated paraspinal muscles in AIS subjects, with a stronger activation observed during asymmetrical exercises (P