[Epidemiological study on idiopathic scoliosis in high school students. Prevalence and relation to physique, physical strength and motor ability]

Abstract

Objective: We applied the tuberculosis examination radiographs to scoliosis screening in high schools. Prevalence, physique, physical strength and motor ability of the students with scoliosis were investigated.

Methods: In this study, 3,299 the first year high school students (1,597 males and 1,702 females) in Wakayama Prefecture, who had taken chest X-ray photographs between 1993 and 1995, were examined and 106 cases (22 males and 84 females) were identified with scoliosis of more than 10 degrees Cobb angle. Each of the cases was assigned age- and sex-matched controls without scoliosis. These pairs were investigated as to the following items: body height, body weight, sitting height, chest girth, leg length, body mass index, vertical jump, side-to-side jump, back strength, grasping power, trunk extension, standing trunk flexibility, 50 m dash, long jump, handball throwing, and chinning.

Results: The body weight, chest girth, and body mass index was significantly lower in girls with scoliosis. As to physical strength and motor ability, only standing trunk flexibility was significantly lower in girls with scoliosis.

Conclusion: Tuberculosis examination radiographs were useful for scoliosis screening in high schools. We found that girls with scoliosis were thinner. We think it is necessary for school teachers to pay more attention to their students' life style.