Evaluation of Self‐Perceived Body Image in Adolescents with Mild Idiopathic Scoliosis

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most prevalent types of scoliosis, affecting up to 3% of children around the world. The progression of AIS can cause alteration in psychological components such as self‐perceived body image and self‐identity, which negatively affect the teenager quality of life (QoL). The mainly aim of this cross‐sectional study is to investigate how mild AIS impacts self‐perceived body image in young people. Fifteen participants (mean age = 14.47 ± 2.825) of both sexes (male = 5; female = 10) with a curve magnitude from 10° up to 25° completed the Scoliosis Research Society Patient Questionnaire (SRS‐22), the Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS) and were subject to spinal analysis and photogrammetry. Results display statistical differences between self‐perceived body image and other SRS‐22 domains (Hotelling t2= 70.29; F (3,12) = 20.08; p < 0.001). Additionally, the regression model, which better explained the self‐perceived variability, was fit by function/activity, pain, and mental health domains (F (4,10) = 4.39; p = 0.029; R2 = 0.545). Although AIS was not severe, it negatively affected participants self‐perceived body image. More attention in AIS qualify of life is needed, and early treatments could be necessary to prevent psychological impairments self‐perception related.