Somatic features and parameters of anterior-posterior spinal curvature in 7-year-olds with particular posture types

Background. One of the key elements in the examination and evaluation of body posture is defining the shape and size of anterior-posterior curvature of the spine and the location of symmetrical bone points in the trunk area. The aim of our study was to determine which somatic features and parameters of spinal curvature in the sagittal plane show statistically significant differences among children with given types of body posture. Material and methods. We examined 298 children (146 boys and 152 girls) attending four primary schools in Wroclaw, Poland. The examinations were carried out in specially prepared darkened rooms, using computer equipment to evaluate body posture. Results. The most significant similarities regardless of gender were observed in the inclination of the lumbosacral spine (a) and the angle of thoracic kyphosis, as well as in the size and index of thoracic kyphosis. The highest values in these parameters were found in children with lordotic posture, in whom the lowest values were found in the inclination of the upper thoracic segment (g) and the angle and size of lumbar lordosis. However, in children with kyphotic posture the most significant differences were observed in the length of thoracic kyphosis, and the least significant in the actual length of lumbar lordosis. Conclusions. The size parameters and indexes of anterior-posterior spinal curvature appeared to be the least differentiating factors among posture types. The strongest similarity of posture types was found in somatic features and weight-height ratios.