Effects of the sitting position on the body posture of children aged 11 to 13 years (English)

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.