The Effect of Milwaukee Brace on Energy Expenditure Indices of Male Adolescents with Flexible Thoracic Kyphosis

Apart from poor cosmetic appearance, the most important potential consequence of spinal deformities is cardiorespiratory function. However, one of the reasons that patients discontinue wearing orthosis seems to be an increase in energy expenditure during activity apart from its cosmetic problem. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Milwaukee brace on energy expenditure indices of male adolescents with flexible thoracic kyphosis. Patients & In this semi-experimental study with repeated measurement manner, nineteen male adolescents with flexible thoracic kyphosis aged between 13-17 years were selected by non-probability method. They had worn the orthoses for at least 3 months and did not have any limitation in physical activity or any history of cardiovascular or respiratory disease. After recording anthropometric data and information, based on clinical examinations, Bruce test was performed for evaluation of them on treadmill in 3 distinct sessions. After doing the test, heart rate, VO2max, speed, incline and the duration of activity was recorded from monitor. Statistical analysis showed that means of heart rate, VO2max, speed, incline and the duration of activity on treadmill had significant difference with patient condition(with and without brace). That means all of these parameters increased when the test was performed while the individuals did not have their braces on during the activity. Greater amount of energy expenditure indices of subjects during activity on treadmill without brace is probably because of being less limited and having no load on them. Subjects could spend more stages of the test and involved with more difficulties with speed or incline of the treadmill. Comparing the means of heart rate in every minute of subjects’ activity with and without brace revealed that recorded heart rate was higher in every minute while the subjects’ performance with brace indicated that brace acts as a load or a limiting factor during activity. Therefore it is concluded that the use of Milwaukee brace increases the total energy expenditure of adolescents with kyphosis deformity during physical activity.