Effect of boston brace on plantar pressure distribution and postural balance in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Background: The Boston brace, commonly used globally with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, aims to correct spinal curvature, yet its impact on plantar pressure distribution and postural balance is underexplored. Current studies highlight balance but provide limited and conflicting insights into plantar pressure. Evaluating the long-term effects of the Boston brace on balance and plantar pressure is essential for improving outcomes in the management of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). Objective: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of Boston brace on plantar pressure distribution and postural balance parameters in AIS. Methods: A pre-test post-test experimental study including 30 AIS subjects (10–16 years, Cobb angle 25°–45°) with an average age of 12.5 years, weight of 32.4 kg, and height of 132.85 cm and selected via convenience sampling was conducted to evaluated the Boston brace's long-term effects on plantar pressure distribution and postural balance in AIS patients. Of the participants, 73% had thoracic curves and 27% lumbar curves. Plantar pressure and postural balance parameters were assessed using the PODIASTAT electronic plantar pressure mapping system under static and dynamic conditions before and after six months of brace usage. Paired t-tests (SPSS v28.0, p < 0.05) compared pre- and post-intervention data to evaluate treatment efficacy. Results: Static plantar pressure analysis revealed a significant increase in plantar pressure area (from 11.66 ± 2.88 cm 2 to 20.66 ± 3.21 cm 2 , p < 0.05) in post-orthotic intervention, while thrust, weight, maximum pressure, and average pressure changes were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Dynamic plantar pressure parameters, including area, maximum pressure, and average pressure, showed no statistically significant differences in post-intervention (p > 0.05). Postural balance analysis indicated minor changes in COP parameters, such as decreased area (39.43 ± 27.27 mm 2 to 28.8 ± 2.33 mm 2 ) and increased length (56.23 ± 21.97 mm to 56.6 ± 18.55 mm), but these were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Overall, the Boston brace demonstrated limited impact on plantar pressure and postural balance parameters.