Assessment of ground reaction force during scoliotic gait

Although the causes and progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) are still unclear, a recent extensive review has indicated a number of possible aetiological factors. Previous investigations, employing gait measurements, have indicated asymmetries in the ground reaction forces and suggest a relationship between these asymmetries, neurological dysfunction and spinal deformity. Using a strain-gauge force platform, the present study has examined the time-domain parameters of various components of the ground reaction force together with impulse. Symmetry indices (SI) between left and right sides have also been estimated. The results show that the patients with a left compensatory curve had a greater SI for a left-side impulse, whilst subjects with little or no compensation had a greater rightside impulse. This indicates that a possible gait compensation is occurring, so that the subjects compensate on the opposite pelvis/lower limb to that of the curve. While indicating the asymmetries between left and right, the results also serve to highlight the value of using kinetic parameters in developing the understanding of the pathogenesis and aetiology of scoliosis.