Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
European Spine Journal, cilt.35, sa.1, ss.36-45, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of a virtual reality-based rehabilitation (VRBR) program in individuals with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) who have undergone posterior fusion surgery (PSF). Methods: A total of 28 AIS patients who had undergone PSF surgery were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the VRBR group (n = 14) or the Control group (n = 14). The VRBR group received a rehabilitation program using the Kinect Xbox 360 for 30 min, twice a week, over a period of 6 weeks. The Control group was prescribed a comparable set of exercises to be performed as a home-based program over the same duration. Spinal mobility was assessed using the Modified Schober Test, and respiratory muscle strength was measured with a portable Micro RPM device. Physical activity levels were monitored using a pedometer, kinesiophobia was evaluated using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), quality of life was assessed via the Scoliosis Research Society-22 Questionnaire (SRS-22), and spinal balance was evaluated using full-spine radiographs (orthoroentgenograms). Results: In the VRBR group, statistically significant improvements were observed in spinal mobility, MIP, MEP, physical activity level, TSK, and SRS-22 scores (p < 0.0001), as well as in coronal balance parameters including CSVL-C7PL (p = 0.041), sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (p = 0.01), and pelvic tilt (p < 0.0001) when compared to baseline. In contrast, no statistically significant improvements were found in any of the assessed parameters within the Control group (p > 0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed statistically significant improvements in favor of the VRBR group in spinal mobility (p = 0.048), MIP (p = 0.029), and physical activity levels (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings suggest that VR-based rehabilitation contributes positively to postoperative outcomes in AIS, with notable advantages in terms of spinal mobility, respiratory function, and physical activity.