Proprioceptive Stimulation. An Effective Tool for Reversing Postural Distortions and Eliminating Chronic Pain
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Thoracic Curves Linked to the Feet
Clinical Study - completed in 07Mar2006, published OnLine 12Mar2006
Inclusion Criteria:
n = 25
All diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
All exhibiting a right thoracic curve
In a preliminary study of 25 patients with asymmetrical abnormal pronation patterns and a positive Adams Test, a positive statistical correlation was found between: the pronation pattern, the pelvic distortion pattern, and the pattern of frontal plane deviation within the thoracic spine [raw data].
Purpose of Study: to determine if a correlation exists between abnormal foot motion (in this case abnormal foot pronation) and the development of scoliotic curves. In this study I only included those subjects that (1) abnormally pronated and (2) were positive for the Adams test. I ran a t-test on the clinical data to determine if a positive correlation existed between the prominence of the scapula wing, the direction of the thoracic curve and the abnormal pronation pattern. A positive correlation was identified in this study.
From clinical experience, we know that many abnormal pronators do not develop significant scoliotic curves (Cobb angle greater than 20 degrees). I believe the development of scoliotic curves is a multifactorial issue. There are other factors that still need to be identified if we wish to understand why only a few patients end up with significant scoliosis.
The 25 patients in this study had a sundry of chronic musculoskeletal complaints. Many of these symptoms were contributed more to the abnormal pronation than directly to the scoliosis. In this preliminary study I made no attempt to separate the cases into functional or structural scoliosis. I believe that a rotated and unleveled pelvis is one of the biomechanical determinants that make an individual more prone to develop scoliosis.
Conclusion (See Raw Data): this study suggests that asymmetrical pronation patterns may be a critical factor in the development of scoliotic curves. Interesting enough, in the screening process, I found no patients with significant scoliotic curves that did not abnormally pronate.
Adolescent Idiopathic Scolisis is a two dimensional deformity (lateral and rotational) of the spinal column in the absence of associated congenital or neurologic abnormalities. Onset is between the ages of 10 and 18. Longitudial studies (Yawn et al, 1999; Soucacos et al, 1997) estimate the prevalence as high as 2% of the adolescent population, using a definition of a spinal curve greater than 10 degrees. (A side to side curve of at least 10 degrees with a rotational deformity, of at least 10 degrees, must be present before AIS can be diagnosed.) Side to side (frontal plane) curves greater than 20 degrees have a distribution of 5 females for every male.
In young children, I have been very successful in stabilizing thoracic curves via Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy. This therapy now makes it possible to reverse or even possibly prevent the development of these spinal lesions.
(Note: The motion depicted in the animated model (above) was intentionally augmented to help clarify the complex combination of rotations occurring in the pelvis and spine.)
Ascending Postural Distortional Pattern
If the pattern of pronation was right > left, the pelvis was rotated counterclockwise and tilted downwards towards the right side (See model below). The left shoulder was rotated forward and downward with a protruding right scapula wing. The thoracic scoliotic curve was on the right side.
If the pattern of pronation was left > right, the pelvis was rotated clockwise and tilted downwards towards the left side. The right shoulder was rotated forward and downward with a protruding left scapula wing. The thoracic scoliotic curve was on the left side.
Other researchers have linked biomechanics to scoliosis (Giakas, 1996; Raso, 2003).
References:
Giakas G, et al. 1996. Comparison of gait patterns between healthy and scoliotic patients using time and frequency domain analysis of ground reaction forces. Spine, 21:2235-2242.
Raso VJ 2003. Review Of Biomechanics In The Etiology Of Idiopathic Scoliosis http://www.ndos.ox.ac .uk/pzs/Group_2/Raso.html
Prof/Dr Brian A Rothbart
Chronic Pain Elimination Specialist
Discovered the Rothbarts Foot Structure and the PreClinical Clubfoot Deformity
Developer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Inventor and Designer of Rothbart Proprioceptive Insoles
Founder of International Academy of Rothbart Proprioceptive Therapy
Author of Forever Free From Chronic Pain
