The Effect of the Cheneau Brace on Respiratory Function in Girls with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Participating in a Schroth Exercise Program

<b>Objectives</b>: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of brace use application and the Schroth intervention on lung ventilation and respiratory muscle strength in patients treated long-term with a Chaneau brace and the Schroth method. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 26 post-menarche females aged 15.7 ± 1.5 years, with a Cobb angle of 18-48° and a diagnosis of AIS in inpatient rehabilitation were examined. All participants received brace treatment for a minimum of 3 months with a dosage of 20-22 h/day. This study protocol was performed three times: 1-brace intervention-first day of the present study; 2-without the brace-second day of the present study; and 3-Schroth intervention on the same day. <b>Results</b>: During the period of brace use, girls treated with a long-term therapy showed significantly reduced values for VC, FVC, and FEV₁ and significantly higher values for inspiratory muscle strength PI_max compared to values obtained in studies without the brace and after single exercises. Expiratory muscle strength did not differ significantly. <b>Conclusions</b>: The majority showed restrictive lung ventilation disorders and decreased respiratory muscle strength in relation to norms. There was a significant correlation of PI_max with the duration of wearing the brace and the duration of therapy.