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Research Article  |   March 1998
The Relationship of Cumulative Motor Asymmetries to Scoliosis in Rett Syndrome
Marjorie K. McClure; Carmela Battaglia; Richard J. McClure
Author Affiliations
  • Marjorie K. McClure, OTR/L, is Occupational Therapist, The Medical Center, Beaver, Pennsylvania
  • Carmela Battaglia, MS, is Assistant Professor, Occupational Therapy Department, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Richard J. McClure, PhD, is Senior Research Principal, Neurophysics Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 737 Parran Hall/GSPH, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213
Article Information
Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder / Intellectual Disabilities / Musculoskeletal Impairments / Neurologic Conditions / Research
Research Article   |   March 1998
The Relationship of Cumulative Motor Asymmetries to Scoliosis in Rett Syndrome
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March 1998, Vol. 52, 196-204. doi:10.5014/ajot.52.3.196
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March 1998, Vol. 52, 196-204. doi:10.5014/ajot.52.3.196
Abstract

Objectives. Interrelationships between Rett syndrome scoliosis and symmetric and asymmetric motor pull, ambulation, and advancement of age were investigated in order to provide a treatment rationale for slowing the progression of scoliosis.

Method. Questionnaires (N =262) completed by International Rett Syndrome Association families were analyzed with logistic regression, odds ratio, Kruskal-Wallis one-way, and Fisher's exact test analyses.

Results. Rett syndrome scoliosis was found to be significantly related to orthopedic risk factors of asymmetric movements and positions (odds ratio =4.5, p <.001). The odds ratio for asymmetric upper body positioning (4.4), nonambulation (3.1), and age advancement (14.1) indicated that each was a significant predictor of scoliosis by logistic regression analysis. Univariate Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis identified a significant relationship between scoliosis and asymmetric higher shoulder positioning (p < .001) and bodyside movements (p =.03). Hemisyndrome aspects of Rett syndrome were identified as the increased prevalence of symptoms in either right or left bodyside.

Conclusion. A significant relationship was found between the prevalence of Rett syndrome scoliosis and orthopedic risk factors. These findings suggest a treatment approach for Rett syndrome scoliosis that focuses on balancing bilateral muscular pull.