[Pulmonary function tests and spiroergometric parameters during rehabilitation of patients with idiopathic scoliosis (fusion of the spine with Harrington rod and training) (author's transl)].

11 female patients with idiopathic scoliosis underwent spinal fusion surgery after Harrington. Additionally the patients were exercised before and after surgery by a special program. During the period of rehabilitation the usual spirographic measurements were carried out and some spiroergometric parameters were measured at standardized ergometric work loads. The diminished vital capacity and the practically normal forced vital capacity were not changed significantly, but the maximum voluntary ventilation was enhanced distinctly. The resting heart rate, primarily far above normal level, decreased significantly at the end of the exercise period and approached normal range. Maximum heart rate corresponded always to the mean values of normal subjects. Instead of a nearly constant increased minute volume of respiration, respiratory frequency and specific ventilation (respiratory equivalent) the maximum 0-2 uptake and maximum 0-2 puls increased significantly. These changes can be explained by an improvement of the uneven distribution of perfusion and ventilation, due to the combined surgical and exercise treatment.