"I am trapped in my body": a qualitative exploration of bodily experiences during brace treatment among adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a spinal deformity that often requires long-term bracing to prevent the progression of spinal curvature. However, bracing impacts several aspects of adolescents' lives. This study explores the bodily experiences of adolescents with AIS while receiving brace treatment.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted through in-depth interviews with 13 adolescents who had worn a brace for at least 6 months. The interviews explored adolescents' experiences of scoliosis, and the brace's impact on daily life. Data were analysed via reflexive thematic analysis informed by the phenomenological concept of embodiment.

Results

Three main themes were identified in the analysis. First, the inhibited body, where adolescents d

SUBMITTER: Fure M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12517426 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature