Abstract

Background. The aim of the study was to describe the body build of rural girls and boys with low-level scoliosis. Material and methods. The study involved 2070 pupils aged 7-19 years from selected rural schools of southern Podlasie. Body statics disorders were diagnosed in 312 girls (29.9%) and 334 boys (32.6%), and were most common at early puberty. Body posture was assessed in an orthopaedic examination. Somatic measurements included basic parameters such as body weight and height, elbow and knee width, arm and shank circumference as well as thickness of six adipocutaneous flaps. The findings as well as calculated indices served to define cardinal somatic traits in the children. Results. Most scoliotic children had medium or low BMI (41.8% and 32.5%, respectively). Pupils with high BMI were also numerous (25.7%). Children with scoliosis and high values of BMI were characterised by the highest values of the somatic parameters, with the exception of ectomorphy. Conclusions. Early stages of disorders of body statics in the coronal plane occur both in children and adolescents of slender body build (medium and low BMI) as well as in those with high BMI.

Key words:

scoliosis, body build, children and adolescents