Scholarly record

ASSESSMENT OF POSTURAL ALIGNMENT IN SCHOOL CHILDREN (AGED 6-10 YEARS)

Germina Cosma, Ligia Rusu, Ilona Ilonca, Eugenia Rosulescu, Mihnea Marin, Alin Burileanu

Abstract

In children, adolescents and young adults can be observed vicious body attitudes characterized by increased the physiological curvature of the spine (kyphosis, lordosis) or by the appearance of abnormal curvatures (scoliosis). These asymmetries are accompanied by abnormal curvature of the girdles (shoulder, hip), neck, chest or abdomen. PURPOSE: To establish the frequency of global attitudes deficiencies in elementary school children to provide information to parents and teachers about the postural abnormalities and to determine preventive measures. METHODS:The research was conducted on 54 elementary school children, out of this 33 girls and 21 boys aged between 6 and 10 years. Their posture was determined using a professional Posture Analysis Screening and Evaluation Software “PostureScreen Mobile” Photographs were taken from anterior, posterior, and lateral views after placement of markers on specific anatomical points. Postural analysis variables were ascertained for head, shoulders, ribcage and hips, along with the frequency of inclinations to the left and to the right. Anthropometric evaluations of children were performed also. For the growth evaluation, height by age, weight by height and weight by age, thoracic mobility and Erismann harmony index were calculated. RESULTS: The results of the research showed deviation from the normal status of the head, shoulders, spine and hips. The main postural deviations found were scoliosis, followed by dorsal kyphosis, head tilt and lumbar hyperlordosis. Of all the 54 subjects analyzed only 3 did not present any postural deviations. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed high incidences of postural alterations in school-aged children, especially girls. Scoliosis and dorsal kyphosis can be determined by sitting in inadequately designed school furniture, practicing sedentary behavior, carrying heavy backpacks, and wearing improper shoes. Based on these results we emphasize the importance of observation and examination of specialty that need to be performed as early as possible and regularly, especially in the case of school age children and orientation more advanced cases toward physical therapist. Practicing of physical exercises within hours of physical education, should be seen as a practical method of prophylaxis.

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DOI resolver: doi.org/10.5593/sgemsocial2014/B12/S2.012

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