PREVALENCE OF POSTURAL CHANGES IN SCHOOL CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Orthopedics
• Public Health

Background:

• Childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles are increasing globally.
• Schoolchildren frequently carry heavy backpacks, potentially impacting musculoskeletal health.
• Understanding postural changes in adolescents is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of postural changes in schoolchildren.
• To correlate postural alterations with body weight and backpack weight.
• To identify affected body segments in relation to these factors.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study evaluated 109 schoolchildren (mean age 13 years).
• Posture was analyzed using the New York scale.
• Measurements included body weight, height, backpack weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI).
• Statistical analysis involved ANOVA and Pearson's correlation at a 0.05 significance level.

Main Results:

• The average score for postural problems was 68.7 points.
• Predominant affected areas included the head, spine, hips, trunk, and abdomen.
• Mean height, body weight, and backpack weight were 1.61 m, 56.03 kg, and 4.49 kg, respectively.
• Body Mass Index (BMI) averaged 21.51 kg/m².

Conclusions:

• Postural alterations are highly prevalent in the studied schoolchildren.
• No significant correlation was found between postural changes and backpack weight or student body weight.
• Further research should explore other factors like ergonomics and habits contributing to postural issues.