Abstract
Background: Adolescence is the period when postural changes occur, as it is a phase when the body develops and grows. It is also the most appropriate time to evaluate and detect postural problems, and preventive measures may help to avoid these possible changes. However, studies evaluating the postural changes in this age group are lacking. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis changes in the spine of 9th grade students at a state military school in Goiás, Brazil. Methods: A total of 113 students (54 boys and 59 girls) participated in the study. A radiation-free three-dimensional scanning system was used to evaluate the students’ spine. The equipment emits a light on the participants’ back and uses its topography to automatically calculate asymmetries. Results: The prevalence of increased thoracic kyphosis was 14%, increased lumbar lordosis 2% and 72% straightening of the curvature of the lumbar lordosis. Thoracic kyphosis was reported by 9% of male students and 19% of female students. Students of both sexes had increased lumbar lordosis (2%). Females had a higher prevalence of rectified lumbar lordosis (59%) than males (11%). Conclusion: The prevalence of postural changes, especially lumbar lordosis, was very high in the elementary students.
Highlights
Nowadays, a large number of adolescents suffer from early postural changes, generating great concern
113 students enrolled in the 9th grade of elementary school participated in this research, who took the exam using the Vert 3D equipment and answered the questionnaire on the day of data collection
The results showed that 14.2% of 113 participants had increased thoracic kyphosis, while 85.8% had normal thoracic kyphosis curvature
Summary
A large number of adolescents suffer from early postural changes, generating great concern. Inadequate posture, on the other hand, is defined as remaining incorrectly positioned for long periods of time, causing musculoskeletal injuries and changes (Guadagnin & Matheus, 2012) This inadequate habit acquired by most students can lead to an increased curvature of the thoracic kyphosis, causing hyperkyphosis (Barbieri et al, 2014). This change is one of the most frequent postural problems in adolescents. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis changes in the spine of 9th grade students at a state military school in Goiás, Brazil.
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