Mobility and shaping of curvature of the spine in children with defective body posture

Andrzej Szczygieł, Anna Ślusarczyk

Andrzej Szczygieł, Anna Ślusarczyk – Mobility and shaping of curvature of the spine in children with defective body posture. Fizjoterapia Polska 2003; 3(3); 261-271

Abstract

Background. This article presents the problem of evaluating the anatomical structure (amount of curvature) and functional capacity of the spine in children with posture defects. This is a vitally important problem for the implementation of treatment. The article also presents selected stretching exercises using tapes, balls, and Thera Band accessories, on the basis of the results obtained. Material and methods. Our research involved a total of 194 children, of whom 91 formed the control group (no posture defects). Children whose examination results diverged from normal posture were assigned to the defective posture group. These children were tested at the Cracow School Sports Center, in the Department of Rehabilitation Gymnastics, where they participated in correctional exercises. The control group was tested at two selected Cracow primary and junior high schools. The subjects’ ages ranged from 10 to 13 years, with a mean of 11.3 years. The tests included the range of movement in the thoraco-lumbar spine in frontal projection left and front, as well as the depth of kyphosis in standing and prone position.Results. The results we obtained showed statistically significant differences in the tested spine parameters and the depth of thoracic kyphosis.Conclusions. The proposed exercises appear to be of considerable use for increasing the effectiveness of rehabilitation for children with posture defects.

Key words:
spinal curvature, spinal range of motion, stretching, therapeutic exercises, body posture
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