Forced Oscillations and Functional Analysis in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of the forced oscillation technique (FOT) in the evaluation of the respiratory mechanics of patients with scoliosis and its association with physical performance. A total of 41 subjects was analyzed, 24 with scoliosis and 17 controls. The distance covered in the six-minute walk test (6mWTd) was used to evaluate the physical performance. Scoliosis caused a significant increase in mean resistance (p = 0.05), resonant frequency (p < 0.05), and a significant reduction in mean reactance (p < 0.01), dynamic compliance (p < 0.05) and 6mWTd (p < 0.0001). A significant and inverse correlation was observed among resonant frequency (R = -0.49, p < 0.02) and mean reactance (R = -0.44, p < 0.03) with the 6mWTd. These data are consistent with previously published results and physiological fundamentals, confirming the high potential of the FOT in the assessment of the respiratory abnormalities in patients with scoliosis. The use of FOT may help in the evaluation of pulmonary function in scoliosis, contributing also to increase our pathophysiological understanding of the respiratory abnormalities in these patients.