# The Impact of Physical Therapy on Postural and Myotonometric Disorders in Patients with Pectus Excavatum: Study Protocol

## TL;DR

This study will assess how a tailored physical therapy program affects musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, postural, and balance outcomes in children and adolescents with pectus excavatum.

## Contribution

The study introduces a comprehensive protocol using multiple assessment tools to evaluate the impact of physiotherapy on pectus excavatum patients.

## Key findings

- Participants will be evaluated using myotonometry, cardiopulmonary testing, postural analysis, and stabilometry.
- Results will compare pre- and post-therapy outcomes to determine the effectiveness of the physiotherapy program.
- The study will focus on both functional and psychosocial aspects of pectus excavatum.

## Abstract

Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common deformity of the chest wall seen in children and adolescents. Besides its visible depression of the chest, this condition often causes functional impairments affecting the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as postural issues. Additionally, the aesthetic aspect of the deformity can greatly impact the psychosocial well-being of those affected. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a tailored physiotherapy program on children and adolescents with PE, focusing on musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, postural, and balance measures. A total of 35 participants diagnosed with PE will be assessed using four complementary methods: myotonometry with MyotonPRO for the trapezius muscle involving all three fascicles and the pectoralis major muscle on both sides, cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill (including cardiopulmonary function), postural assessment with GaitOn, and static balance-stabilometry with PoData 2.0. These assessments will be performed before and three months after completing an individualized physiotherapy program, which participants will perform daily after proper instruction from a physical therapist. After three months, the initial and final results will be compared to determine how physical therapy influences treatment outcomes in patients with PE.