Multidimensional clinical profiles of Saudi adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: an exploratory cross-sectional study.

The study enrolled 69 Saudi adolescents with AIS with a median age of 15 years.

• Participants were aged 10-18 years recruited from King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh.
• Inclusion required a Cobb angle ≥ 10°.
• Median (IQR) age was 15 (4) years.
• Consecutive patients from relevant clinics were invited to participate.

Physical activity levels among participants were low, with only 17.4% engaging in exercise weekly.

• Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
• Only 17.4% of the 69 participants reported weekly exercise engagement.
• Low physical activity was identified as a significant factor associated with QoL (p < 0.05).

Participants reported moderate pain intensity with a median NRS score of 5.

• Pain was assessed using the Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).
• Median (IQR) NRS score was 5 (5), indicating moderate pain intensity.
• Pain intensity was the most substantial contributor to QoL variability with a standardized coefficient β = -0.527.

Participants demonstrated generalized joint hypermobility with a median Beighton score of 6.

• Median (IQR) Beighton score was 6 (4).
• A Beighton score consistent with generalized joint hypermobility was observed across the sample.
• Joint hypermobility was assessed as part of the multidimensional clinical profile.

SRS-22r scores indicated a moderate quality of life impact due to AIS.

• Quality of life was assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society-22r (SRS-22r) questionnaire.
• Scores indicated moderate QoL impact attributable to AIS.
• Psychological distress was assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) as part of the multidimensional assessment.

Multiple linear regression identified pain intensity and physical activity as statistically significant predictors of quality of life.

• Pain intensity and physical activity together accounted for 35.8% of total SRS-22r score variability.
• Both variables were significant at p < 0.05.
• Pain intensity was the most substantial contributor with β = -0.527.
• Psychological distress, joint hypermobility, and BMI were not identified as significant predictors in the final model.