Changes in body posture parameters: a four-year follow-up study

Abstract

Body posture is an alignment of its segments relative to each other in a certain way and the relations between them. Abnormalities in the alignment of body segments or the cooperation of systems may cause postural defects. Scientific evidence showed that children of school age are more exposed to abnormalities in body posture so posture should be monitored because it is a key aspect of their body's physical health. This study aimed to evaluate changes in body posture parameters in the frontal plane in the same children at 5 and then 9 years of age. This four-year follow-up study included 67 children (29 girls and 38 boys) in preschool-age and school-age phases (the first examination at 5 years of age and the second examination at 9 years of age). Measurements of body weight and height were recorded. The computerized assessment of body posture was performed with the photogrammetric method (MORA 4 Generation). The normality of the distribution of variables was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Analysis of qualitative data was carried out using Pearson’s chi-squared test. The highest percentage of children were characterized by the deterioration in the position of the lower corners of the scapulae, taking into account the division into sex (respectively in girls 51.7 % and boys 50.0 %) and the analysis of the whole group (50.7 %). There were statistically significant differences in the position of the lower corners of scapulae (UL) between the first and second examinations in all examined children (p = 0.005). The difference in the height of the waist and in the position of the shoulders improved and deteriorated in a similar percentage in children (above 30-40 %). Generally, an improvement in body posture was observed, however, the occurred abnormalities of body posture indicate the need to continuously monitor the children's posture and implementation of preventive and corrective measures.