Comparison of Children’s and Parents’ Perceptions of Appearance Related to Trunk Deformity in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis Using the TAPS Questionnaire: Retrospective Observations

Background/Objectives: Idiopathic scoliosis affects musculoskeletal biomechanics and trunk appearance. Patient-reported outcome measures, including the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS), are important for assessing health-related quality of life and monitoring treatment. This study compared children’s and parents’ perceptions of trunk appearance before and after 5-day scoliosis-specific exercises according to Functional Individual Therapy of Scoliosis (FITS Method). Additionally, changes in the perception of trunk appearance by patients and parents were evaluated in relation to brace use.

Methods

Ninety children with idiopathic scoliosis (74 girls and 16 boys; mean age: 13.6 ± 2.1 years) and their parents participated. Sixty-two children used a Chêneau brace. Most participants (n = 71) had double-curve scoliosis; the mean thoracic and lumbar Cobb angles were 32.5° ± 12.9 and 32.2° ± 13.0, respectively. Children and parents completed the TAPS at the beginning and end of the program.