Postural education program for socially vulnerable adolescents protected by institutional care: case series

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction: Institutionalized young people may exhibit impaired development due to lack of support, correct guidance regarding their physiological changes, and knowledge about postural changes. Methods: This is a longitudinal observational case series study. Adolescents residing in shelters who could understand the entire protocol were invited to participate in the study. Ten meetings were held, once a week, with 8 theoretical-practical interventions and 2 pre and post-PEP evaluations. The evaluations were: static posture, dynamic balance, handgrip strength, self-esteem, quality of life, and a theoretical questionnaire on general knowledge.Results: From 18 adolescents, 11 (7 boys and 4 girls), with an average age of 14.8 (±1.3) years concluded the study. After the PEP intervention, a significant improvement was found in the knee angles (3.56º vs. 2.28º) and hip (-12.03º vs. -4.18º) in its plane lateral. The scores of the theoretical questionnaire were 4.75 vs. 11.63 and the handgrip strength was 22.91 vs. 28.54 kgf and 21.55 vs. 26.82 kgf for the right and left limbs. In the quality of life and self-esteem questionnaires, no statistically significant differences were obtained. Conclusion: PEP imparts benefits to socially vulnerable adolescents for postural angles, handgrip strength and theoretical knowledge. Self-esteem and quality of life did not change, probably due to their high vulnerability.