Effects of the sitting position on the body posture of children aged 11 to 13 years.

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.