Faulty posture and style of life in young adults

Study was aimed to determine the incidence of postural faults, level of physical activity and their possible relationship in young adults. Material included 100 subjects recruited randomly among students of Medical University of Silesia (54F aged 20-28, mean=22.9, SD=2.11 and 46M aged 20-29, mean=25.1, SD=1.86). Posture was examined according to modified Klapp protocol. For thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, values of 30 degrees +/-2 were considered as normal. ATR exceeding 5 degrees was considered as scoliosis. Physical activity was evaluated with a questionnaire, admitting 1 point for each hour of physical labour and 2 points for each hour of sport activity per week. Statistical analysis was based on the one-way ANOVA test. Postural faults were widespread in assessed group. Most common was lumbar hypolordosis (71.0%, 48.1%F and 97.8%M) and thoracic hyperkyphosis (58.0%, 53.7%F and 63.0%M). Scoliosis was observed in 54.0% (50%F and 58.7%M). Physical activity in assessed group was high, with 71% of cases (76%F and 62.5%M) within range of mean value +/- 1SD. Level of activity in men was significantly higher than women (mean 20.25 vs. 6.28 points, p<0.05). Significant dependence of postural faults and physical activity was not observed.

Young adults prefer active way of life. Postural faults are widespread among young adults. Correlation between level of physical activity and postural faults was not observed.