# BIOMECHANICAL STUDIES OF IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 1987 · $200,432

## Abstract

Idiopathic scoliosis is a condition in which the spine develops a curvature
to the side.  Its cause is unknown, and if untreated, it may progress to
result in gross trunk deformity.  It progresses chiefly at the onset of
adolescence.  Approximately ten percent of adolescents have some scoliosis,
and approximately 0.2 percent are currently treated for it.

Idiopathic scoliosis is defined in biomechanical terms, hence biomechanical
studies of it are relevant.  Research is proposed that is addressed to two
main issues.  The first is to gather basic biomechanical data on abilities
of children with structurally normal spines and children with idiopathic
scoliosis to control configurations of their spines.  Evidence to date
strongly suggests that idiopathic scoliosis progresses because of defects
in the spine's posture control system, yet little is known about the system.

The second issue is to explore biomechanical interactions between the spine
and the rib cage.  These may be involved in progression mechanics, and they
clearly are involved in the trunk deformities that scoliosis causes and in
the response of scoliosis patients to brace and surgical treatment.

The understanding gained from these studies may be essential to discovering
the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis, and it will help to improve treatment
procedures.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3156683
- **Project number:** 2R01AR033948-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **SAM.gov UEI:** GNJ7BBP73WE9
- **Principal Investigator:** ALBERT B SCHULTZ
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1987
- **Award amount:** $200,432
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1983-09-01 → 1992-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3156683

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3156683, BIOMECHANICAL STUDIES OF IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS (2R01AR033948-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3156683. Licensed CC0.

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