We haven't known whether the center of pressure (COP) could be considered as a better indicator in the evaluation of posture and balance change after the physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercise (PSSE) during level walking. The objective of this study was: 1) to determine changes in COP displacement in anterior-posterior (COP-AP) and medial-lateral (COP-ML) for AIS following the PSSE; 2) to find out COP oscillation(COP-OS) from the midline for the left and right foot; 3) to investigate max pressure at the forefoot, midfoot and hindfoot bilaterally. AIS patients with three reflective markers on their back walked on the pressure sensors embedded treadmill at 2 km/h and their trunks were also registered by DIERS Formetric 4D system. Each child received the PSSE for 12 weeks by the same physical therapist and had a dynamic pressure analysis before and after the PSSE. Six AIS children at a mean age of 13 years and with averaged major Cobb angle of 26° were enrolled. There was an increase in COP-AP (15%) and a decrease in the COP-ML (-25%) following the PSSE. COP-OS on the left foot shifted farther away from the midline (about 16%) as the right side moved closer (-1%), which becomes more symmetrical (Pre-PSSE: 0.86mm & Post-PSSE: 0.32mm). There were increased pressures on the left (35%) and right (26%) hallux after PSSE. Pressure metrics, especially including COP-ML, COP-AP, COP-OS, and peak pressures on the forefoot, may be opted as optimal predictors to posture improvements by the means of PSSE.
Keywords: AIS; Center of Pressure (COP); PSSE; Posture.