Changes in Foot Conditions of Primary School Children Studying in Dynamic Postures

Abstract

Background: Scientific substantiation of a health-preserving potential of innovative educational technologies, learning modes, and non-traditional types of student furniture is one of the most important tasks of school medicine. The mode of dynamic postures presupposing alternation of sitting and standing positions at each lesson during the school day has got potential health-preserving resources. Our objective was to assess foot conditions in primary school children in years 1–3 studying in the mode of dynamic postures. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in 2015-2018 involving 42 children aged 7–10 years attending a gymnasium in the town of Balashikha, Moscow Region. The condition of the longitudinal foot arch was assessed by plantography using the Bauerfeind plantograph, Germany. For the same children, the Sztriter index was calculated in the beginning of year 1 and in the end of year 3. Results: The normal longitudinal foot arch was observed in 36.9% and 42.9% of schoolchildren studying in dynamic postures in years 1 and 3, respectively. Flat feet were detected in every fifth child and its prevalence did not change in the course of learning. The most pronounced positive dynamics expressed by a 5.9-fold decrease in the prevalence rate was observed for the higher arch of the foot noted in 21.4% of first graders and only in 3.6% of third graders. Conclusions: Our findings show positive dynamics in foot conditions related to the process of learning in the mode of dynamic postures and may serve as the basis for a wider introduction of this mode into educational practice.