Forward Head Angle and Shoulder Angle in Relation to Stabilometry in Children with Pectus Excavatum Included in an...

Background: Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common anterior chest wall deformity in children and adolescents. It may lead to postural adaptations of the trunk and spine and can influence the distribution of the center of gravity. Methods: A total of 35 patients with PE, with a Haller index < 3.25, aged 5-17 years, followed a structured exercise program including postural correction exercises, thoracic mobility exercises, breathing retraining, and trunk extensor strengthening for three months after proper instruction by a specialist. Patients were assessed before and after the intervention. Postural alignment was evaluated laterally (right and left) using the GaitON Posture Analysis System, and static balance was assessed using the PoDATA 2.0 stabilometric platform (Chinesport, Italy), which analyzes plantar pressure distribution and center of pressure (COP) displacement during orthostatic stance. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Stabilometric analysis demonstrated a reduction in COP trajectory length, confidence ellipse area, and maximum velocity, indicating improved postural control and reduced sway. Postural analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in head and shoulder girdle alignment. Correlations suggest a potential relationship between segmental alignment and stabilometric parameters and a possible reduction in thoracic hyperkyphosis associated with PE. Conclusions: Postural and stabilometric assessment in PE highlights changes in the analyzed parameters and suggest that a structured exercise program may be associated with improvements in biomechanical function and neuromuscular control. These methods can be integrated into conservative management and therapeutic strategies.