Abstract

Objectives. To evaluate the head and trunk postural alignment in Egyptian children diagnosed with β-thalassemia. Methods. Twenty male children with β-thalassemia aged from 6 to 10 years, were compared to healthy normal children within the same age. Images were taken from anterior, posterior, and lateral views after placement of markers on specific anatomical points. The Postural Assessment Software (PAS/SAPO) used to analyze the recorded images. Results. From the anterior view, there were statistically significant differences in the mean values of Horizontal Alignment of Acromion (HAA) and Horizontal Alignment of Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (HAASIS) between both groups (p < 0.05) respectively. From the right lateral view, there were statistically significant differences in mean values of Vertical Alignment of the Head (VAH) and Vertical Alignment of the Trunk (VAT) between both groups (p < 0.05) respectively. From the left lateral view, there was a_statistically significant difference in mean values of the Vertical Alignment of the Head (VAH) between both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The results of this cross-sectional study concluded that thalassemia has a_negative impact on the postural alignment of the head and trunk of these children.

Key words:

Postural deficits, β-thalassemia, children, Postural Assessment Software (PAS/ SAPO)