Comparison of physical functions and psychosocial conditions between adolescents with pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum and healthy controls
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In brief
In brief
Study of 180 adolescents with pectus deformities shows both PE and PC patients have reduced physical function and poorer posture versus controls, with PE patients experiencing greater psychosocial impact. Perceived chest appearance correlates with outcomes more than deformity severity, supporting biopsychosocial evaluation and physiotherapy for all patients regardless of severity.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aimed to compare the physical and psychosocial conditions of adolescents with pectus excavatum (PE) and pectus carinatum (PC), who had mild-severe deformities, with those of healthy controls (HC).
Methods
This study included 180 adolescents (aged 10–18 years) with pectus deformity [PE (n = 90) and PC (n = 90)] and 90 age-matched HC. The following parameters were evaluated for each participant: clinical parameters, perceived appearance of the chest area (PAC), physical functions (grip strength, flexibility, muscle strength, endurance, physical activity), posture, psychosocial conditions, and quality of life (QOL).
Results
Patients with PE and PC had a lower body weight, a worse, a poorer posture, lower scores for physical functions compared to the HC group (p < 0.001, all). The PE group had lower scores (p < 0.05) for some psychosocial conditions and quality of life subscales compared to the HC and PC (except for the QOL) group (p < 0.05). The PC group had a poorer posture compared to the PE group (p < 0.05). PAC was associated with physical functions and psychosocial status (r = 0.19–0.40, p < 0.05) but pectus severity was not associated with these parameters (r = 0.02–0.12, p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Our results indicate that all adolescents with mild, moderate, or severe pectus deformity should undergo a biopsychosocial evaluation, receive psychosocial support, and be referred for physiotherapy.