Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41364202›Full record

ArticleSpine deformity2026

Activity capacity in children with early onset scoliosis compared to pulmonary function (spirometry) and patient-reported outcomes.

Malvika Choudhari, Mark Belio, Di Hu, Stuart L Mitchell, Joseph D Stone, Erik D Hanson, Feng-Chang Lin, Stephanie D Davis, James O Sanders

Abstract readComparative Study
PubMed Full text at PMC Publisher
In one paragraph

Article in Spine deformity, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

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PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Malvika ChoudhariSchool of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Mark BelioDepartment of Exercise and Sports Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Di HuDepartment of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Stuart L MitchellDepartment of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Joseph D StoneDepartment of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Erik D HansonDepartment of Exercise and Sports Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Feng-Chang LinDepartment of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Stephanie D DavisDepartment of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
James O SandersDepartment of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. James_sanders@med.unc.edu.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7897-4161

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeThe primary concerning outcome in early onset scoliosis (EOS), pulmonary function, is challenging to measure in children. Surrogate measures, including thoracic length and curve magnitude, poorly predict patient outcomes. Activity capacity as determined by Metabolic Equivalents of Task (MET) is a potentially useful alternative or adjunct since it more directly reflects the tasks being performed. The objective of this pilot study was to assess MET values for varying intensity activities in children with EOS and explore their relationship to pulmonary function indices, scoliosis characteristics, and patient-reported outcome measures.

methodsFor this pilot study, basal metabolic rate and physical activity MET values were measured using indirect calorimetry. MET values were assessed while performing video games representing low (bowling), moderate (boxing), and high intensity (active running) activities, and treadmill walking at low, moderate, and high intensity. MET values were compared to age-matched standardized energy expenditure values in youth (METy) for similar tasks. Pulmonary function testing was assessed using spirometry with percent predicted values based on arm span. Patient outcomes were obtained for each participant through the 24-question Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) and select assessments from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). A linear mixed model assessed differences between groups. Spearman correlation coefficients assessed relationships between variables.

resultsEight children (ages 6-16y, 50% female) completed testing. Etiologies for scoliosis were congenital (n = 3), syndromic (n = 3), and idiopathic (n = 2). Five had spirometry suggestive of severe restriction (FVC and FEV

conclusionMET values in children with EOS were directionally similar to values in normal children. Children unable to generate higher MET values appear to self-limit their activity. The relationship between MET and pulmonary function is complex and requires further exploration. Children with EOS and pulmonary impairment appear unable to generate the energy required for more vigorous activities. This could be due to poor pulmonary function, deconditioning from their underlying condition, or limitations in the tested video games. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Indexed as

ExerciseLungPatient Reported Outcome MeasuresScoliosisSpirometryAdolescentAge of OnsetBasal MetabolismChildEnergy MetabolismFemaleHumansMalePilot ProjectsRespiratory Function TestsSurveys and QuestionnairesActive gamingActivity capacityEarly onset scoliosisIndirect calorimetryMetabolic equivalentPulmonary function

Identifiers

PMID41364202
PMCPMC13282359

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.