Factors influencing participation in sports, exercise, and physical activity in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: a protocol for a qualitative secondary data analysis

Introduction: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is one of the most common paediatric spinal complaints (2-3% of children < 16 years). Regular physical activity is recommended and has been associated with significant improvements in quality of life, reduced pain, and improved function in AIS. However, participation rates remain low amongst individuals with AIS with limited research examining why. This qualitative study aims to identify factors influencing participation in sports, exercise, and physical activities in AIS.

Methods and analysis: A qualitative interpretive hermeneutic phenomenology study will be conducted. This study will use a subtle-realist view to enable a focus on the most common experiences of individuals with AIS considering factors influencing participation in exercise, sports, and physical activity. This will be a secondary data analysis (SDA) of a single centre qualitative study completed at a tertiary scoliosis centre during 2022. Participant data drawn from semi structured interviews of individuals <18 years old with a diagnosis of AIS will be included in a six-phase thematic analysis. Rigor will be enhanced through a qualitative checklist, reflexivity, researchers with expertise in the phenomena of interest, and additional researchers from the parent study to critique. Patient and public involvement has been utilised since conceptualisation to improve transparency of reporting.