Adequate motor control is considered important for spinal stability and the prevention of low back pain in adulthood and in childhood.
OBJECTIVE:
Given that the sitting position can affect proprioception, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of using at school a triangular and dynamic cushion on schoolchildren’s trunk motor control.
METHODS:
Thirty 8-year-old schoolchildren were randomized into a control group ( 15) and a “cushion group” ( 15), in which the children used the cushion for one year and a half. At the end of this period, a 3D-analysis was used to assess lumbar spine proprioception by means of a trunk repositioning task performed blindfolded in a seated position in two conditions (on a stable and on an unstable surface).
RESULTS:
The schoolchildren in the cushion group performed better at the trunk repositioning task ( 0.02) and hold their lumbar lordosis ( 0.03) better than the control children, in both conditions (stable and unstable).
CONCLUSIONS:
This preliminary study suggests that daily use of a triangular dynamic cushion has a beneficial impact on children’s lumbar proprioception. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and investigate the effectiveness of its use to prevent low back pain in adulthood.
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