[Sports in prevention of postural defects]

Posture results from numerous alternating factors and reflects the attitude of an individual towards a definite situation. If the different conditions, namely the capacity and the willingness of posture, do not correspond to the requirements of the situation the "normal" erect posture will change. The development from abnormal posture into irreversible abnormalities and damages in posture is easy. In order to eliminate these risks one can try to reduce the potential of the situation on the one hand and to improve the capacity of the individual through adequate physical exercise on the other. The practice of daily physical activity at school or during leisure time is the best way to compensate for lack of exercise, to modify prolonged unfavourable situations, and to develop the physical capacity in such a way that dangerous loads can be supported without damage. The versatility of training, in combination with adequate gymnastical exercises and sports help to educate the sense of posture and movement with the effect that erect posture can be adopted and maintained. But only children who feel that erect posture is reflecting their personal image will finally keep the erect posture. Special attention is given to elite training in childhood and adolescence, when the vertebral column is particularly exposed to danger by the intensity of the training and must be protected against deformations by carefully chosen preventive measures.