[Risk factors associated with structural postural changes in the spinal column of children and adolescents]

To investigate the association between behavioral risk factors, specifically postural habits, with the presence of structural changes in the spine of children and adolescents.

59 students were evaluated through the self-reporting Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument e and the spine panoramic radiographic examination. The spine curvatures were classified, based on Cobb' angle, as normal or altered in the saggital plane and as normal or scoliotic in the frontal plane. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0, from descriptive statistics and chi-square association test (α=0,05).

The prevalence of postural alterations was 79.7% (n=47), of which 47.5% (n=28) showed frontal plane alterations and 61% (n=36) sagital plane alterations. Significant association was found between the presence of thoracic kyphosis and female gender, practice of physical exercise only once or twice a week, sleep time greater than 10 hours, inappropriate postures to sit on the bench and sit down to write, and transport of school supplies. Lumbar lordosis was associated with improperly transportation of school backpack (asymmetric); and scoliosis was associated with the practice of competitive sport and sleep time greater than 10 hours.

Lifestyle may be associated with postural alterations. It is important to develop health policies in order to reduce the prevalence of postural alterations with a reduction of associated risk factors.