CARDIORESPIRATORY FUNCTION OF PATIENTS WITH ADOLESCENT IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

ABSTRACT Objective: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a spinal deformity that can cause cardiorespiratory dysfunction, contributing to decreases in tolerance for aerobic exercise (TAE) and in functionality. The objective is to assess the TAE and lung capacity of patients who underwent corrective AIS surgery in the pre- (PRE) and postoperative (POST) periods. Methods: Sixty individuals, PRE (n=30, age: 18.5±2.4 years) and POST (n=30, age: 24.5±4.5 years), participated in the study. The forced vital capacity (FVC), the forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and the FEV1/FVC ratio, as well as the maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure were verified. The TAE was assessed by the distance travelled in the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), together with blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and peripheral oxygen saturation measured at the beginning and at the end of the test. Results: A mild restrictive pattern in lung function and reduced expiratory muscle strength were observed in both groups, but with no difference between the PRE and POST groups. No difference was found between the PRE (534±67.1 m) and POST (541± 69.5 m) groups for the distance travelled in the 6MWT, though both were below the predicted percentage (82.8±10.0% and 84.8±10.9%, respectively). Hemodynamic and respiratory changes caused by the 6MWT were observed, except for the peripheral oxygen saturation. Conclusion: The results suggest that even after surgical correction, patients with AIS continue to have low TAE. Level of evidence III; Therapeutics Study - Investigation of Treatment Results / Case-control study. RESUMO Objetivo: A escoliose idiopática do adolescente (EIA) é uma deformidade da coluna que pode ocasionar disfunções cardiorrespiratórias, contribuindo para a diminuição da tolerância ao exercício aeróbio (TEA) e da funcionalidade. O objetivo é avaliar a TEA e a capacidade pulmonar em pacientes no pré (PRÉ) e pós-operatório (PÓS) de correção da EIA. Métodos: Participaram 60 indivíduos PRÉ (n = 30, idade: 18,5 ± 2,4 anos) e PÓS (n = 30, idade: 24,5 ± 4,5 anos). A capacidade vital forçada (CVF), o volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1) e a razão VEF1/CVF, assim como as pressões inspiratória e expiratória máximas, foram verificados. A TEA foi avaliada pela distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6), acompanhado de medidas de pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca, frequência respiratória e saturação periférica de oxigênio no iní