Adult Scoliosis and Exercise: A Survey Instrument Pilot Study

The relationship between scoliosis pain and exercise is described in the literature as inconsistent and highly subjective to each patient. Researchers cite a lack of understanding about the true nature and etiology of scoliosis pain, often referring to it as a "structural deformity (only)." This survey instrument pilot study aims to better understand scoliosis pain, filling in the gaps left by existing scales on scoliosis and chronic pain. The scale also aims to assess experiences and attitudes about utilizing exercise for pain relief. The 18-item survey instrument was distributed to a sample (n=95) of individuals who self-reported having adult scoliosis for 10 years or longer, who experience scoliosis pain, and who exercise. Reliability and exploratory factor analyses (EFA) were run on several scale subsets, with pain-related subsets and items showing higher reliability than exercise items. The most compelling result was the 3-factor solution that emerged to describe possible latent pain variables - mobility, neurological, and stress effects. This small, initial pilot study is the initial step in a planned long-term research mission to help establish evidence-based recommendations that can potentially help a large population of adults with scoliosis who experience long-term, chronic pain and disability. Additional planned research includes a focus group as a qualitative means of obtaining richer data on types, frequency, dosage, and intensity of exercise found to be most helpful in managing the chronic pain and disability of adult scoliosis. A mixed methods study is also planned to aid in further quantifying the impacts of exercise on scoliosis pain, with a qualitative aspect to deepen the quantitative data obtained.