Background and Objectives: Physiotherapy exercises of schools that demonstrated their efficacy through scientific studies are recommended in the idiopathic scoliosis treatment: they have to be performed in front of a mirror, which acts as a useful visual feedback system for learning and performing the self-correction movement. Feedback systems are also used in orthopaedic rehabilitation as a support during the exercise performance. The one based on surface electromyography (sEMG) is effective in muscle rehabilitation. Several studies used sEMG to examine the paraspinal muscles activity in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Nevertheless, participants were not reported back on any information. Namely, shortterm effects of biofeedback sEMG system use on the self-correction movement performance during posture exercise sessions have never been investigated. Aim: To evaluate and to compare the effects of two exercise sessions, the former with the aid of a mirror, the latter using a sEMG biofeedback on the self-correction movement performed by individuals with idiopathic scoliosis.

Materials and Methods: Fifty subjects aged 8-14 years with juvenile and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis diagnosis, with ≤ 20o Cobb angle either single or double curve will be recruited from the paediatric orthopaedic outpatient department of the hospital “Città di Pavia”. Participants will have to be new to posture exercise. Exclusion criteria will be: brace therapy or its indication, concomitant orthopaedic diseases. Participants’ parents will consent in a written form. Participants will take part in three sessions: training, mirror aid, sEMG biofeedback. Sessions will take place within a week of each other, the last two being in a random order. During the first session participants will learn the self-correction movement. In the next ones, by being supported by feedback, they will perform four self-correction-based exercises suggested by scientific literature. Through randomization each participant will be assigned a Physiotherapist assisting him during all sessions and an Evaluator. Both will be blinded.

Authors: Marin L, Pedrotti L, Febbi M, Anelli M, Ottobrini S