Evaluating the validity of diagnostic methods for scoliotic posture of primary school children

Abstract

Primary school children are exposed to asymmetric loads that lead to an imbalance of postural muscles and a violation of the body relative symmetry. Mass screening examinations in schools for scoliotic posture and scoliosis are conducted primarily through the Adams test. It has low reproducibility and a high frequency of false negative results. In practice, various methods for diagnosing posture disorders are also used. Some methods are based on the evaluation of postural muscles static endurance, elasticity and proportionality of their functional capabilities. Others are based on a comprehensive assessment of the ability to maintain an upright posture rationally. The third ones are based on the analysis of the tonic vibration and H-reflex of skeletal muscles on both sides of the vertebral column. All the above mentioned methods definitely have diagnostic potential. Therefore it was decided to determine the validity of some common methods for diagnosing posture disorders based on the analysis of their mutual congruence. Based on the results of the experiment, a reliable correlation between the studied parameters was established. It in turn allows us to judge the congruence of the considered diagnostic methods and, accordingly, the high probability of their validity.

Improving effectiveness of scoliotic posture prevention and correction in primary school children

“…Close attention of a wide range of specialists is aimed at solving problems of prevention and correction of posture disorders in children of primary school age [7][8][9][10][11]. A special place is occupied by violations of posture in the frontal plane, also called a scoliotic posture, scoliotic posture anomaly and school scoliosis [12][13][14][15].…”