BACKGROUND: Nowadays, children spend increasingly more time in a
seated position, both at school during class and at home in front of a
computer or television.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare selected parameters
describing body posture and scoliosis among children in sitting and standing
positions.
METHODS: It was an observational, cross-sectional study involving
91 primary school children aged 11-13 years. The children's backs were
photographed in standing and sitting positions. The values of selected
parameters were calculated using photogrammetric examination based on the
Moire projection phenomenon.
RESULTS: The results show significant statistical differences for
the parameters defining the anteroposterior curves of the spine. The sitting
position resulted in a decreased angle of inclination of the thoracolumbar
spine, reduced depths of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, and pelvic
asymmetry.
CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining a sitting position for a long time results
in advanced asymmetries of the trunk and scoliosis, and causes a decrease in
lumbar lordosis and kyphosis of a child's entire spine. Therefore, we
advocate the introduction of posture education programs for schoolchildren.
