A comparison of sagittal spine deformities among elementary school students using spinal mouse device.

BACKGROUND

Sagittal spine curvature deformities are common among elementary school students due to long malposition and lack of physical activity.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to compare sagittal spine deformities among first graders (young and elder school students) in elementary schools.

METHODS

The sagittal spinal curvatures of 45 young school students aged 5-7 years and 50 elder school students aged 9-11 years were examined by using spinal mouse device.

RESULTS

Independent sample t-test shows statistically significant differences in sagittal spinal deformities with increased thoracic kyphosis and spinal flexion in young children than elder children (P = .000, t = 10.72). However, young children show lesser lordosis than elder children (P = .001, t = -4.47). In addition, the young children established a higher significant coefficient of compensation (CC) than elder children (P = .000 t = 12.58).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the forward flexion of the trunk is more common among young children than elder children. This may be attributed to differences in postural awareness and way of sitting among students of elementary school. So, it is recommended to encourage the proper postures among students of first graders especially young children.