Change in Anthropometric Parameters of the Posture of Students of Physiotherapy after Three Years of Professional Training

Abstract

Introduction and Aim. A physiotherapist's occupation requires high physical fitness and a properly functioning neuromuscular system. Working with patients is not always performed in accordance with the rules of work ergonomics. The aim of this paper was to verify the possible changes in the posture of students of physiotherapy after three years of professional training. Material and Methods. The sample group consisted of 30 randomly chosen students of physiotherapy. Each person was examined twice (at the age of 20 and at the age of 23). Both examinations were performed by the same researcher. The ultrasound system ZEBRIS Pointer was used for the examination; 17 parameters were analyzed in sagittal projection, frontal projection, and transversal projection. Results. Statistical analysis revealed positive correlations between the 10 parameters in examination 1 and examination 2 which means that a person with a relatively higher level of obliquity in examination number 1 also had slightly different values in an examination conducted three years later. Conclusion. Studying physiotherapy and physical work with patients resulted in a considerable worsening of the students' posture. It is advisable to educate students on ergonomics and the rules of safety and hygiene while working as a physiotherapist in order to protect the therapists' health.

Concurrent validity of photogrammetric and inclinometric techniques based on assessment of anteroposterior spinal curvatures

“…An important argument is the compatibility of results obtained during photogrammetric assessment and X-ray examination, which currently is recognized as the most accurate method of posture evaluation. Inclinometric and photogrammetric assessments of anteroposterior spinal curvatures are based on the same assumptions as the commonly used Cobb method, which essentially involves identification of angle of inclination in the examined areas with respect to vertical axis [5]. The present study did not find significant differences in the inclination of the specific spinal segments, i.e.…”

“…Numerous authors have shown high reliability and usefulness of this method for clinical examinations, e.g. Czaprowski [16], Saur et al [25], Kużdżał et al [5] and Walicka-Cupryś et al [23]. The other device used in the present study for assessing body posture is a system whose operation is based on photogrammetric method taking advantage of Moiré phenomenon.…”

“…The shape of spinal curvatures is relatively easy to examine, both with invasive methods, such as X-ray, and noninvasive tools such as ultrasound Metrecom System, Zebris, photogrammetric technique, inclinometer, frequently used in screening examinations [5][6][7][8][9]. However, purchasing majority of these tools is very costly.…”

“…In the literature, we can find studies designed to compare concurrent validity of two methods, e.g. Metrecom System and Saunders mechanical inclinometer [5], X-ray with photogrammetry [10], liquid-based inclinometer and phone application [11], photogrammetry and liquid-based inclinometer [12], or computer-assisted magnetic tracking device compared to inclinometer [13]. The first three reported high concurrent validity, contrary to the latter study.…”

The Influence of Body Mass Composition on the Postural Characterization of School-Age Children and Adolescents

“…The achieved result was the average of the measurements. The result of the study was saved in the computer program with the final report from the numerical data and graphs of the scanned points [13, 14]. …”