About
Trinity College in conjunction with CHI Crumlin Hospital, The Beacon Hospital and Blackrock Clinic are carrying out a National Scoliosis Wellbeing study. We believe this is a very important study, the results of which may change the existing healthcare pathway for the better.
We want to find out, is there a difference in muscle function, balance, heart & lung function and quality of life between adolescents with severe, moderate or mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and adolescents who do not have scoliosis.
We would also like to find out whether a targeted physiotherapy led exercise programme could address any issues that are identified in the tests.
Our mission is threefold:
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Find out if there are differences in muscle function, balance, cardiovascular function, lung function and quality of life between those that have AIS and those who do not have scoliosis.
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Examine the changes that take place in muscle function, balance, cardiovascular function, lung function and quality of life as the spinal curvature progresses from mild to severe.
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See if a targeted rehabilitation programme can impact any deficits we find in the scoliosis population.
Who Can Take Part?
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If you have a diagnosis for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
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You are between the ages of 12 and 21 and have your parent’s consent if this is required.
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You have no medical reason that stops you from exercising.
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We are recruiting the following participants diagnosed with AIS:
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Adolescents diagnosed with severe AIS and listed for spinal fusion surgery
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Adolescents diagnosed with moderate AIS
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Adolescents diagnosed with mild AIS
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These participants will be paired as close as possible to a group of adolescents who do not have AIS.
What Does It Involve
For adolescents with mild, moderate and severe AIS: A comprehensive physical assessment and questionnaire.
For severe AIS listed for surgery: A 12-week physiotherapy led exercise programme and a 12-week home exercise programme for those who have had surgery.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TAKING PART?
The results of this study may lead to changes in the health care pathway treatment of adolescents with AIS.
Everyone who takes part will receive a full individual health report of your fitness levels and body composition measurements on completion of the physical assessment.
An individualised 12-week physiotherapy led exercise programme and a 12-week home exercise programme for those who have had surgery.
Our Team
Our team includes Spinal Surgeons, Chartered Physiotherapists, Physiologists, and Strength & Conditioning experts. The lead investigator, a CORU-registered Chartered Physiotherapist and qualified Strength and Conditioning coach, will carry out all physical assessments. Participant’s parents are strongly encouraged to attend. The Schroth rehabilitation programme for mild and moderate participants and the post-operative targeted physiotherapy intervention will be led by a CORU-registered Chartered Physiotherapist and a qualified Schroth practitioner.
Meet the Team
Niamh McGowan
Clinical Spinal Specialist Physiotherapist
Niamh is an honour graduate of The University of Ulster. She graduated in 2012 and was awarded the Silver cup, a prize for top marks in the practical element of her course.
Niamh has a varied background having worked in both the public and private healthcare systems in N. Ireland and Canada. Niamh is trained in the ISST Schroth method for Scoliosis management, Pilates (including the equipment), Complete Concussion Management and Dry Needling. She has received specific training in the areas of Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, Athletic Screenings, Manual Therapy, Individual Exercise Plans, Paediatric Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Acute Care First Aid.
Patrick Kiely
Consultant Specialist Paediatric Orthopaedic & Spinal Surgeon
Mr. Patrick Kiely is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a specialist interest in paediatric orthopaedics.
Mr. Kiely’s clinical practise focuses largely on paediatric and adolescent orthopaedic surgery with a major clinical, educational and research focus on spinal pathologies and paediatric sports injury.
After working as a consultant spinal surgeon in Nottingham, UK, and as a senior lecturer in the University of Sydney, Mr. Kiely pursued his interest in paediatric orthopaedic surgery at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney. Mr. Kiely has worked as a speciality orthopaedic surgeon at University teaching hospitals including the National Children’s Hospital and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, since 2007.
Claire Curley
Manager Scoliosis Academy
Claire was former National Director for Scoliosis Association UK and the British Scoliosis Research Foundation. She has a wealth of experience in scoliosis support and providing fact-based, peer-reviewed information for those affected by scoliosis. Claire worked closely with professionals to promote research and the treatment of scoliosis across the UK.
Gail Garry
Patient Advocate
Gail is Mum to 3 children, the youngest of which has congenital scoliosis. Gail’s knowledge of scoliosis comes from her experience with her daughter who has had numerous surgeries over the past 4 years. Her daughter is currently under the care of her Orthopaedic Spinal team in CHI Crumlin. Gail is a highly motivated, enthusiastic and experienced medical administrator and marketer with strong organisational skills. People orientated team player with experience in administration within a global company.
Tony Rafferty
Researcher & Physiotherapist
I am a CORU registered Chartered Physiotherapist and a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist with special interests in scoliosis, adolescent/adult spine and joint pathology.
I graduated from Trinity College with a BSc (Physio), and hold an MSc (Sports and Exercise Medicine) and an MBA. I have lectured in the School of Medicine in Trinity College and I am a past member of the steering committee for the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. I am currently Co-Lead investigator on a national project entitled ‘A National Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Physical Wellbeing Study’.
I am also a private practitioner with a clinical caseload that includes the management of scoliosis patients.
I am an advisory member of Straight2Swim a scoliosis rehabilitation group. In addition, in my spare time, I am the physiotherapy manager for Trinity College Rugby (seven teams) responsible for recruitment and management of our physiotherapy team and player welfare, and a member of TCD sports medical committee.
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