Introduction Incorrect positioning of the body in space increases the tension of the myofascial tissue and overloads the skeleton. It is important to look for factors that affect the deterioration of body posture that could be eliminated. Understanding the interrelationship between the positioning of individual body segments should be the key knowledge for those involved in the prevention and correction of faulty body posture. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the degree of physiological curvatures of the spine and the incidence of incorrect knee position. Materials and methods The study involved 685 children aged 10–12. Body height, weight and BMI were measured and calculated. The degree of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis was assessed using the Zebris Pointer ultrasound system. Valgus and varus knees were diagnosed in an upright position based on the intermalleolar distance with knees together, and intercondylar distance with the feet placed together. The statistical analysis uses descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test (comparison of girls and boys), the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Tukey's post hoc test (comparison of variables in participants with correct, varus and valgus knees) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (the relationship between the position of the spine and knees). Results The examined girls were heavier than the boys and had higher BMI. Spine deformities and incorrect knee position are common among 10-12-year-old children. The girls and boys differed significantly in the spine shape in the sagittal plane and the intermalleolar distance. Round lumbar lordosis is more characteristic for girls, and for boys, round thoracic kyphosis. For both genders, valgus knees occur more often than varus knees and coexist with decreased thoracic kyphosis. The rounder the thoracic kyphosis, the greater distance between the knees and the smaller distance between ankles. Conclusions The frontal knee position significantly correlated with the depth of thoracic kyphosis.

Introduction: Postural defects and accompanying dysfunctions are one of the greatest existing health problems. It is necessary to define factors responsible for the formation of incorrect body posture and strive to eliminate or modify them. The aim of the study was to determine changes in trunk positioning depending on the way of carrying a small handbag (the bag weighing 2.7 kg). Materials and methods: The study comprised 32 volunteers aged 21.75±2.00 years. The ZEBRIS Pointer system was used to test the body posture. The Statistica v13 program was applied for data compilation. Normality of distribution regarding variables was tested with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Differences between repeated measures were estimated using ANOVA, Friedman’s rank test and post hoc tests. The level of statistical significance was α=0.05. Results: Placing the bag on one shoulder significantly increased thoracic kyphosis, while wearing the bag diagonally across the trunk caused a significant increase in both thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Other observed changes concerned the balance of the trunk in the sagittal plane, the position of the shoulder blades, symmetry of shoulder position and pelvic rotation. Conclusions: Carrying even a small load in the form of a bag significantly changes quality of body posture. Furthermore, changes in body posture depend on the way of carrying the load. Wearing the bag diagonally across the trunk is not better than carrying it asymmetrically on one shoulder.

Introduction: Gait is the basic physical activity of a person to which s/he is much better adapted than to running or maintaining a sitting position. Proper gait pattern has beneficial effects on locomotor and respiratory system efficacy, while asymmetrical, abnormal gait may cause musculoskeletal dysfunctions. The purpose of the study is to compare symmetry and range of pelvic movement in gait among boys playing football and their non-playing peers. Material and methods: A total of 121 boys were surveyed, including 33 soccer players aged 10-14 and 82 of their non-playing peers, using a portable system for functional movement analysis - BTS G-WALK. Symmetry and range of motion of the right and left pelvis in the sagittal, frontal and horizontal planes were analysed while walking on a straight section. Basic anthropometric measurements were also taken. Results: There was no difference in the value of the pelvic symmetry coefficient between the football- and non-players. However, a significantly greater range of pelvic rotation and movement in the sagittal plane was found among the boys playing football. Attention is drawn to the greater range of pelvic movement towards posterior tilt among young soccer players. Conclusions: Further studies should be conducted to assess whether excessive movement of the pelvis in gait towards posterior tilt among young soccer players is related to body posture quality, and whether the excessive range of pelvic movement in the sagittal and horizontal planes correlates with the incidence of locomotor injuries or lower spine pain.

Adequate length and tension of postural muscles are necessary to maintain proper body posture and enable basic movement patterns to be correctly carried out. These muscles include the hamstrings. Research results show that these are often characterised by reduced elasticity and excessive passive stiffness. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between hamstring shortening, body posture and excessive body weight in physically active boys. The study involved 69 boys aged from 6 to 19 years who regularly took part in football training (at least three times a week) for at least 12 months. Body height (calibrated anthropometer), body weight (electronic balance TANITA), torso positioning in three planes (ultrasonic system ZEBIS Pointer) and the flexibility of the hamstrings (goniometer) were analysed. Descriptive statistics, cardinality tables, the Kruskal-Wallis test and an effect size were used in statistical analysis. The reduction of hamstring elasticity in both legs was diagnosed in 50.72 % and in one leg in 13.05 % of the boys studied, while 24.65 % were overweight and 4.35 % were obese. No significant differences in the torso position were found in the groups distinguished by hamstring flexibility. However, subjects with hamstring shortening tended to have increased pelvic torsion, increased angular kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, have greater asymmetry of the right and left pelvis and shoulders, and increased scoliotic deformities. A significant correlation was found between hamstring flexibility, body weight and body mass index (BMI). Common hamstring shortening in boys taking part in football training does not significantly affect body posture but significantly correlates with body weight and BMI. Stretching exercises and soft tissue mobilisation techniques should be included in the football training of young players.