Postural Disorders Research Articles

DIAGNOSTICS OF POSTURAL DISORDERS IN CHILDREN USING COMPUTER PHOTOMETRY

Actuality of the research. Literary and statistical data show that the level of morbidity among children in Ukraine remains high. Important to note that musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases take the fifth place among the morbidity structure, while the postural disorders and scoliosis remain the most urgent problem in school­age children. The aim of study is to check the computer photometry method efficiency for postural disorders diagnostics in school­age children with different levels of motor activity. Research methodology. In order to improve the dynamic control over the posture state, to increase the study objectification, to reduce the examination time and simplify the statistical material processing, a software complex for diagnosing posture disorders using the computer photometry method was used. Results. It was found that 25% of examined school­age children had postural disorders. Most often, postural disorders were observed within the age of 10­13 years, while in girls, postural disorders were registered 10% more often than in boys. Systematic exercise does not automatically guarantee the correct posture formation. In children­athletes, more pronounced indicators of angular anthropometric parameters asymmetry were registered, as a result of asymmetric back muscles load distribution. Children who did not exercise were more prone to kyphotic posture developing. Conclusions. As instrumental diagnostics, the computer photometry method has high level of informativeness and reliability, helps to maximize the data objectification and is effective in postural disorders detecting during as screening and as mass examinations.

Occurrence of Body Posture Abnormalities in Overweight and Obese Children Aged 5-6 Years-Pilot Study.

The study aimed to assess the occurrence of body posture disorders and their changes under the influence of a physioprophylactic program in children depending on body weight. In the examined children, the general and segmental body composition and body posture were determined using a physiotherapeutic assessment based on the Kasperczyk method. Mass, overall, and segmental body composition were determined using the bioelectrical impedance method using a TANITA body composition analyzer. The study group of 76 children was divided due to body weight disorders into Group I (n = 51), in which BMI and fat mass values were within the normative limits for age and gender, and Group II (n = 19), comprising children whose body weight exceeded the norm and/or fat mass exceeded normative values. The examined children underwent a physioprophylactic. The program was conducted by qualified physiotherapists for 12 weeks, once a week for 30 min. The therapeutic program was focused on physioprevention of being overweight and the correction of body posture. A distal distribution of fat mass was observed in the examined group. Asymmetry in the sagittal plane was found in 35% of children. No statistically significant differences were found in the presence of asymmetry in the sagittal plane between the groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the occurrence of posture irregularities between the groups. There were no changes in the weight and body posture of the examined children under the influence of the physiotherapy program. The lack of correlation in the examined group between body weight and posture irregularities in 5-6-year-olds may suggest the acquisition of posture defects as a consequence of the persistence of overweight or obesity.

Efficacy of scapulothoracic exercises on proprioception and postural stability in cranio-cervico-mandibular malalignment: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Cranio-cervico-mandibular (CCM) malalignment is associated with forward head posture (FHP) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and affects masticatory muscles. This randomized, double-blind controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of scapula-thoracic (ST) exercises on temporomandibular and cervical joint position sense and postural stability in individuals with CCM malalignment. Fourty-nine participants with CCM malalignment were randomly assigned to the ST exercise group (STEG, n= 24) or the control group (CG, n= 25). STEG included progressive strengthening, proprioceptive, and stabilization exercises. All participants were assessed before treatment, at the end of the 8th week treatment period and at the 12th week post-treatment follow-up. Cranio-vertebral angle measurement, Fonseca's Questionnaire, Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index, TMJ position test, cervical joint position error test and postural stability assessment were used. The TMJ and cervical joint position sense, total sway degree, area gap percentage, sway velocity and antero-posterior body sway results showed significant improvement in the STEG compared to the CG (p< 0.05), however medio-lateral body sway did not differ between groups (p> 0.05). Postural stability, TMJ and cervical joint position sense appear to be affected in individuals with CCM malalignment. Our results showed that an exercise program including ST stabilization, proprioception and strengthening of the scapular muscles may be effective in the management of CCM malalignment and will allow clinicians to plan holistic treatment.

Intrathecal Baclofen Infusion-Botulinum Toxin Combined Treatment Efficacy in the Management of Spasticity due to Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of permanent, but not unchanging, disorders of movement and/or posture and motor function, which are due to a non-progressive interference, lesion, or abnormality of the developing/immature brain. One clinical presentation is muscle spasticity, which leads to a significant impact on the individual's functionality and quality of life. Spasticity treatment is multidisciplinary and includes pharmacological and physical intervention; intrathecal baclofen shows a positive effect in severe spasticity and suboptimal response to oral drugs, while local injection of Botulinum toxin type A (BTXA) improves muscle tone, motion and pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the combined intrathecal baclofen infusion (ITB) - botulinum toxin treatment in the management of spasticity in CP. 8 patients with spastic tetraparesis were enrolled. All patients were treated with intrathecal Baclofen; in lower limbs, no spastic symptoms appeared, while marked spasticity was noted in upper limbs. We injected the right and left Biceps Brachial (BB) and Flexor Digitorum Superficialis (FDS) muscles with botulinum toxin type A. All patients underwent Myometric measurement, Ashworth Scale, Numerical Rating Scale, and Visual Analogic Scale evaluation before infiltration (T0), 30 days after injection (T1), 60 days after injection (T2), and 90 days after treatment (T3). All data demonstrated an improvement in spasticity, pain, quality of life, and self-care during the study, with p < 0.05. No side effects appeared. This study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of intrathecal baclofen infusion and botulinum toxin combined treatment in the management of spasticity, pain, quality of life, and selfcare in CP patients.

АНАЛИЗ УРОВНЯ И СТРУКТУРЫ ПАТОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ПОРАЖЕННОСТИ ПОДРОСТКОВ РЕСПУБЛИКИ БЕЛАРУСЬ

Background. Assessment of the health indicators of adolescents, among which morbidity indicators occupy a leading place, makes it possible to determine the need of this age group for preventive measures, as well as to evaluate their effectiveness. Objective. To study the level and etiological structure of pathologies among adolescents residing in the Republic of Belarus. Material and methods. A sample of 1118 people aged 10-18 years was studied. The data was obtained by extracting information from primary medical documentation. Results. It was established that the prevalence of pathologies in the general group of adolescents is 1568.87 [1488.45; 1649.30] cases per 1000 people. The main factors aggravating the health status of adolescents are such classes of diseases and pathological conditions as eye diseases (in the vast majority, myopia), diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (primarily postural disorders and flat feet), congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (in 88.59% cases – congenital anomalies of the circulatory system), diseases of the digestive system (in a quarter of cases – gastritis, duodenitis). The main contributors to these pathologies are schoolrelated ones. It was revealed that less than 20% of 10-18-year-olds are absolutely healthy, almost 2/3 of the surveyed have risk factors for the development of diseases and almost one out of six has a chronic pathology in the compensation stage. Conclusions. The results obtained indicate the need to improve preventive measures aimed to minimize pathologies caused by learning, the need to introduce targeted prevention programs, as well as to improve medical and psychological-pedagogical support for students.

The effect of the Pisa syndrome on balance and gait in Parkinson’s disease: a comparative study

INTRODUCTION. Pisa syndrome is a postural deformity that can lead to impaired posture control and balance in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), which increases the risk of injury and reduces the quality of life. AIM. To study the effect of the Pisa syndrome on postural control, balance and gait of patients with Parkinson’s disease. HYPOTHESIS. It is assumed that patients with PD with the Pisa syndrome will have specific features of postural control and balance, which must be taken into account when developing rehabilitation technologies for correcting postural disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS. As part of the comparative study, 30 people of both sexes were examined, all study participants received levodopa drugs in an individual dosage selected by a neurologist-parkinsonologist. The subjects were divided into 2 groups of 15 people each according to the principle of the presence of the Pisa syndrome and its absence. Criteria for inclusion in the groups: voluntary informed consent of persons with PD for the study; age from 45–80 years, stage 2–4 of Hoehn-Yahr Parkinson’s disease, absence of other diseases and gross cognitive impairment. The diagnosis was carried out using the COBS Physiomed stabilometry system and the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, a diary of falls and a dynamic gait index (DGI). The reliability of the differences was determined by the Mann-Whitney U-test. Data processing was carried out using the Statistica 10 program. RESULTS. Significant differences were revealed in the parameter of the coordination index of the Standing Balance test for the right leg and on the EQ-5D-3L scale at a significance level of p 0.05, in the group of people with PD without the Pisa syndrome, the quality of life was significantly higher, the number of falls was significantly higher in the group of people suffering from PD with the Pisa syndrome towers. DISCUSSION. Walking with a change of direction and multitasking is the most significant problem for people with PD with the Pisa syndrome, the differences between the groups are significant at a significance level of p 0.01. CONCLUSION. Patients with PD and Pisa syndrome have altered gait associated with body tilt forward, instability and decreased balance control.

Pain Characteristics of Parkinson's Disease Using Validated Arabic Versions of the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale and Questionnaire: A Multicenter Egyptian Study.

Pain is one of the most common nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD), with variable characteristics among populations. This multicenter Egyptian study aimed to translate and validate the King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS) and Questionnaire (KPPQ) into Arabic versions and to investigate the pain characteristics in Egyptian people with PD (PWP). A total of 192 PWP and 100 sex- and age-matched controls were evaluated by the KPPS-Arabic and KPPQ-Arabic. Both tools were assessed for test-retest reliability, floor or ceiling effects, construct validity and convert validity. PWP were also assessed by the Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr scale (H&Y), Non-Motor Symptom Scale (NMSS), PD Questionnaire-39, and Non-Motor Fluctuation Assessment (NoMoFA). The KPPS-Arabic and KPPQ-Arabic showed inter- and intrarater consistency and high validity, with an acceptable ceiling effect. A total of 188 PWP (97.9%) reported at least 1 type of pain (p < 0.001). The severity and prevalence of all pain domains in the KPPS-Arabic were significantly higher among PWP than among controls (p < 0.001). Fluctuation-related and musculoskeletal pains were the most common (81.3% and 80.7%, respectively). In the PD group, the total and domains of KPPS-Arabic were significantly correlated to the MDS-UPDRS total score and the scores of Parts I, II, III, postural instability gait disorder, axial, and H&Y but not with age or age of onset. The predictors of KPPS-Arabic scores included the total MDS-UPDRS, the part III-OFF, disease duration, the total NMSS, and the NoMoFA scores. The current multicenter study provided validated Arabic versions of the KPPS and KPPQ, which exhibited high reliability and validity, and demonstrated a high prevalence and severity of pain within Egyptian PWP and characterized its determinants.

The Effectiveness of the Game Reaching for Stars and Achieving Hope on the Static Balance of Children with Flat Foot Conditions

Balance in children plays an important role in maintaining body posture in static and dynamic conditions, regulating and controlling motion stability, and supporting the maturation of motor skills. Motor-related movement disorders in balance and posture are influenced by the impact of flat foot. This research aims to determine the effectiveness the game consists of reaching for stars and achieving hope of the static balance of children with flat foot. The research method used is quantitative with a pre-experimental research group design after testing. The population of this study was the class B group of Samarinda City Kindergarten aged 5-6 years, totaling 60 people. Sampling used a purposive sampling method with the qualifications of respondents who identified the condition of the flat foot as 15 children. The data collection techniques used are observation, experiments, and documents. The data analysis technique used is statistical analysis tif description, Kolmogorov Smirnov normality test, and test paired sample test. Based on the research results, there are significant changes in the abilities of the child's static balance as shown by the results of the paired sample test as big as Sig. (2-tailed) 0.001&lt;0.05, then H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted, meaning that the effectiveness of the game of reaching for stars and achieving hope has a significant influence on children's static balance abilities.

Pluridisciplinary approaches in global postural rehabilitation

The global postural imbalances relationship is frequently encountered in recent medical practice, requiring multidisciplinary approaches to bring patients to function as close as possible according to the physiological limit. About half of the world’s population experi-ences pain and dysfunction induced by postural imbalances during their lifetime. This re-port aimed to assess the nonpainfull and currative effect of the electropuncture technique complemented by massage and active postural kinetotherapy of global posture imbalances and acute or chronical pain at various levels. This research provide an insight into the re-port of evidence available for the analgesic uses of TENS in postural defects. Correlations regarding imbalances at various levels was found in various studies regarding analyze or diagnosis, without addressing the non-invasive multidisciplinary treatment. In these stud-ies, we are hoping to raise the non-invasive reabilitation treatment and increase their use in pathologies with involves global postural imbalances. The discomfort and pain experi-enced by people with generalized postural disorder on a daily basis can have a negative impact on quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to significant worsening of the con-dition over time. Global rehabilitation with non-invasive and non-pharmacological meth-ods, without adverse effects, including electropuncture (TENS) applied to the refferal points in conjunction with proprioceptive kinetotherapy techniques, massage and psycho-therapy is the path to the success of occlusion-postural rehabilitation with significant re-sults on painful suffering global postural imbalances. Keywords: global posture, postural imbalance, correlation, rehabilitation, multidisciplinary, electropuncture

Effects on Function and Enjoyment of Aquatic Therapy in Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Pilot Study in a Special Education School

ABSTRACT Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder of movement and posture resulting from a non-progressive injury to the developing brain. The aim of the study was to determine the functional level of performance in water and enjoyment of children with CP, after participating in aquatic therapy classes. Nine children diagnosed with CP were involved in an eight-month aquatic program based on the Halliwick concept and provided as a part of a special school education program. The outcome measurements were the Water Orientation Test Alyn (WOTA 1) and an original enjoyment questionnaire. The data showed a statistically significant improvement in six out of 13 trials of WOTA 1. The children described aquatic therapy as joyful, easy, and their favourite form of physical activity among those offered by the school. The results suggest that aquatic therapy classes can be effectively used among children with CP to improve body position control and mental adjustment in the water.

Effect of frequent smartphone use on children’s cognitive function: An observational study

Background – Children and teenagers use smartphones more actively than adults, they are more prone to get addicted to smartphones. Furthermore, studies show that excessive use of smartphones can lead to psychosocial and physical symptoms in children between age group of 5-15 years. Psychosocial symptoms include decline in cognitive function and Physical symptoms includes faulty habitual posture and temporomandibular disorders. Purpose of the study – To find the effects of frequent smartphone use on children’s cognitive function. Methodology– A self-constructed e-questionnaire based on “Digital Addiction Scale for Children” and “Cognitive Flexibility Scale” was sent randomly to various social groups through various social media platforms. A total of 50 parents responded to the survey and were included in the analysis. Results – From the responses we found out that 23% children use smartphones for more than 4 hours a day and out of them cognitive function was affected in 66.7% of children and faulty cervical posture is seen in 72.2% children. Conclusion – The study concluded that prolong smartphone usage affects cognitive function in children below 15 years of age.

Efficacy of head postural correction program on craniovertebral angle, scapular position, and dominant hand grip strength in forward head posture subjects: A randomized controlled trial.

Forward head posture (FHP) is a common postural disorder that alters shoulder function. This study examined the efficacy of a corrective program involving postural correction exercises (PCEs), scapular stabilization exercises (SSEs), and kinesiotaping (KT) on improving craniovertebral angle (CVA), scapular position, and dominant hand grip strength (HGS) in individuals with FHP. Sixty subjects (8 males and 52 females, 18-40years old) were randomly allocated into four equal groups: Group A: received PCEs only, Group B: received PCEs and SSEs, Group C: received PCEs and KT, Group D: received PCEs, SSEs and KT. All subjects received treatment for 4weeks (4 times/week) and postural advice. Outcome measures included cranio-vertebral angle (CVA), scapular position using Lateral Scapular Slide Test and dominant HGS using a CAMRY dynamometer that were assessed at baseline and 4weeks post intervention. Comparing all groups post training revealed that there were statistically significant increases (p<0.05) in all measured variables (CVA, scapular position and dominant HGS) in favor of group (D). Combination of PCEs, SSEs and KT interventions has achieved the best gains in terms of CVA, dominant HGS and regaining optimal scapular position in FHP subjects.

The Impact of Group Psychoeducation for Mothers of Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a group of permanent movement and posture disorders resulting from injury to the developing brain, affecting muscle movement and coordination. It causes lifelong physical and cognitive impairments. Objectives: This study examined the effects of a group psychoeducational intervention on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in mothers of children with CP. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved 50 mothers (25 in the intervention group and 25 in the control group) of children with CP aged 2 - 11 years. Mothers in both groups completed the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Short Form-36 health survey before and after the interventions. The intervention group received a 5-session (1 hour per session), weekly psychoeducational program that provided information about CP, stress management techniques, problem-solving skills, and social support. The control group received no intervention during this period. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 2 months post-intervention to evaluate outcomes. Results: Psychoeducation significantly reduced anxiety and depression and improved quality of life compared to the control group (P &lt; 0.001). Also, group × time interactions were significant for all dependent variables (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: A brief group psychoeducational intervention effectively decreased anxiety and depression and enhanced the quality of life in mothers of children with cerebral palsy.

Prevalence of posture disorders in schoolchildren according to computer optical topography

Aim – to assess the prevalence of posture disorders in schoolchildren in the city of Kazan according to optical computer topography to increase the effectiveness of ongoing preventive measures. Material and methods. As part of the ongoing preventive medical examination of underage students in November-December 2022, a computer topographic examination of 776 schoolchildren (347 girls and 429 boys) aged 8.49–16.5 years was conducted in two schools in Kazan. To process the obtained data, the proportion of the feature was calculated, Wilson confidence intervals for occurrence frequency. Results. The study revealed that 44 (12.68%) girls and 62 (14.45%) boys were relatively healthy – they were assigned to the first health group in terms of posture (I-norm; I-subnorm – scoliosis 0–1st degrees); 251 (72.33%) girls and 300 (69.93%) boys had postural disorders; spinal deformities of moderate severity (scoliosis of the 1st–2nd degree and other spinal deformities) were found in 51 (14.7%) girls and 63 (14.69%) boys, and the identified deviations were more common among high school students; scoliosis grade 3 and above was found in one 11-year-old girl, two 12-year-old and two 15-year-old boys (0.29% and 0.93%, respectively). All parents were informed of the screening results; recommendations were given to parents whose children were at risk or who had posture disorders and spinal deformities. Conclusion. The occurrence of posture disorders in schoolchildren in Kazan does not differ from the average level in Russia and does not have a statistically significant difference among girls and boys, however, with an increase in the age of schoolchildren, the proportion of moderate spinal deformities increases: among 15-year-old girls – 19.51% (CI 95% 7.38-31.64); among boys aged 16 – 20.55% (95% CI 11.28-29.82).

The Relationship Between Working Posture and Musculoskeletal Disorders in Waste Pickers at Blondo Landfill

Abstract Background: Blondo landfill serves as a final processing site for waste and also a source of livelihood for scavengers. Scavengers are workers who are at risk of musculoskeletal disoders (MSDs) complaints due to heavy, repetitive physical work and poor work postures due to bending. During waste collection and sorting, waste pickers perform repetitive movements with non-ergonomic postures, away from the ideal body position. Based on data from Puskesmas Bawen, 45% of 73 waste pickers experienced muscle and joint pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between working posture and complaints of musculoskeletal disorders.Methods: This study was an observational analytic research in a cross sectional design. The population in this study were Blondo landfill waste pickers. The subjects were 65 waste pickers who were chosen through purposive sampling technique. Data collection was conducted through interviews using the Nordic Body Map questionnaire, digital camera and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) sheet. Data analysis were conducted using Spearman rank tests.Results: The results showed that of the 65 waste pickers, the majority were female (53.3%), aged &gt; 35 years (93.8%), had a working period of more than 5 years (61.5%), and normal nutritional status (56.9%). Scavengers who have moderate risk work posture (81.5%) and moderate musculoskeletal disorders (84.6%). There was a positive correlation between working posture and MSDs with a moderate level (ρ=0.593; p=0.0001).Conclusion: Work postures that are formed away from the body's gravity which if done continuously and for a long period of time among waste pickers resulted in musculoskeletal disorders.

Measurement of Posture in Children Aged 4-6 Years at Aisyah Makam Haji 1 Kartasura Kindergarten

Health screening is a form of monitoring children's growth and development, which involves evaluating growth and development status based on weight gain and addressing problems that may arise at each stage of a child's development. Physical health is measured by age, weight and height. The importance of conducting health checks on children early on is a crucial effort in detecting and preventing various health problems that may arise, including the problem of poor posture better known as bad posture. Bad posture is a condition in which the body's position deviates from the normal state which can cause various health problems. The possible negative consequences of bad posture include problems such as kyphosis, lordosis and scoliosis. Regular health checks on children, especially at early developmental stages such as in kindergarten, are important to identify early any potential health problems, including posture problems. By detecting such problems early, preventive measures can be taken immediately to avoid potentially more serious long-term impacts on children's health. Therefore, regular health check-ups in children are a necessity that cannot be ignored to maintain the health and well-being of future generations. In realizing the research results with quantitative methods, measurable and numerical-based data collection is involved to gain a deeper understanding of the posture characteristics of children in that age range. This provides a solid foundation for implementing appropriate preventive and posture corrective measures. The conducted research revealed intriguing findings regarding the posture of children at Aisyah Makam Haji 1 Kartasura Kindergarten. Among the observations: 56% of children were underweight, 10 children exhibited low arches on both feet, and 22% showed signs of scoliosis with a vertebral curve of 0°. While most children displayed normal limb length differences, some exhibited abnormalities in this aspect. These findings underscore the significance of posture screening for children aged 4-6 years, even if they seem physically healthy. Preventive measures, such as education for parents, are needed to prevent postural disorders that could potentially arise in the future.

A comprehensive multivariate analysis of the center of pressure during quiet standing in patients with Parkinson's disease

BackgroundWe hypothesized that postural instability observed in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) can be classified as distinct subtypes based on comprehensive analyses of various evaluated parameters obtained from time-series of center of pressure (CoP) data during quiet standing. The aim of this study was to characterize the postural control patterns in PD patients by performing an exploratory factor analysis and subsequent cluster analysis using CoP time-series data during quiet standing.Methods127 PD patients, 47 aged 65 years or older healthy older adults, and 71 healthy young adults participated in this study. Subjects maintain quiet standing for 30 s on a force platform and 23 variables were calculated from the measured CoP time-series data. Exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis with a Gaussian mixture model using factors were performed on each variable to classify subgroups based on differences in characteristics of postural instability in PD.ResultsThe factor analysis identified five factors (magnitude of sway, medio-lateral frequency, anterio-posterior frequency, component of high frequency, and closed-loop control). Based on the five extracted factors, six distinct subtypes were identified, which can be considered as subtypes of distinct manifestations of postural disorders in PD patients. Factor loading scores for the clinical classifications (younger, older, and PD severity) overlapped, but the cluster classification scores were clearly separated.ConclusionsThe cluster categorization clearly identifies symptom-dependent differences in the characteristics of the CoP, suggesting that the detected clusters can be regarded as subtypes of distinct manifestations of postural disorders in patients with PD.

Ways of increasing the efficiency of physical exercises of teenage school students with impaired health

The work is devoted to the definition of anatomical and physiological features of the formation of the movement culture of schoolchildren. The relevance of the issue of increasing the effectiveness of physical exercise classes for primary school girls with postural disorders is substantiated and is the formation of a culture of movements. It has been established that postural disorders are a prerequisite for the appearance of accompanying diseases and abnormalities in physical development and negatively affect the culture of movements, distorting the physique, plasticity of movements, gait, impair motor achievements during physical exercises, lead to a decrease in motivation for motor activity, negatively affect well-being children, lead to the emergence of psychological complexes and complicate socialization in the student body. According to the index method, which included the determination of the shoulder index, which characterizes the level of stooping (kyphotic posture), and the index of vertical curvature of the spine, which indicates the presence of scoliotic posture, it was found that 26.3% of schoolgirls have various posture disorders, while 82 of them .8% of girls have slouching (kyphotic posture), the other 17.2% of schoolgirls have scoliotic posture in various variants of vertical curvature of the spine. Since the level of some motor indicators indirectly determines the culture of girls' movements and affects the formation of a posture stereotype, pedagogical testing of various types of strength, coordination abilities and flexibility of elementary school students was conducted. At the same time, a significant difference was recorded between the motor development of schoolgirls with various postural disorders in the indicators of strength endurance of the muscles of the abdomen, back, flexibility, plasticity and static balance of healthy girls and schoolgirls with postural disorders. The conducted linear correlation analysis using the Pearson method between posture indicators and movement indicators showed a reliable relationship of moderate strength between the posture indicator and some movement indicators, which justifies the need to develop a methodology for teaching the movement culture of elementary school students with posture disorders in the process of physical education.

Status of the feet of preschool children

The postural status of preschool children is at great risk. Without timely detection, poor posture in preschool children can cause extremely serious health problems later in life, so prevention and early diagnosis are very important. The aim of this review is to analyze the research that studied the foot status of preschool children in the period from 2000 to 2022 in the territory of Serbia and Republika Srpska. A descriptive method and theoretical analysis were used for the collection, classification and analysis of targeted research, and the material was searched on: Google, Google Scholar, PubMed and Kobson. The search is limited to works published in the period from 2000 to 2022. In total, we collected 15 studies, 13 of which were conducted in the territory of the Republic of Serbia, and two in the territory of Republika Srpska. All research included preschool children aged 3 to 7 years. Previous research shows that foot deformities of preschool children are present in a high percentage in both sexes. Decreased movement due to an increasing amount of time spent near modern means of communication has negative consequences for the growth and development of preschool children. Educators, parents and the system as a whole must deal with the prevention of the mentioned postural disorders much more than they did before in order to stop the trend of their growth.

Postural balance in the comprehensive rehabilitation of adolescents with cleft lip and palate and maxillofacial anomalies: A literature review

BACKGROUND: Patients with cleft lip and palate experience significant jaw relationship disorders and pathological bite formation, leading to changes in the motor activity of chewing muscles and postural balance disturbances. Most studies on postural control are conducted on patients with skeletal dentofacial anomalies and deformities without cleft lip and palate. The state of postural balance in children with cleft lip and palate requiring long-term complex medical rehabilitation, including bone-reconstructive operations on the jaw bones, remains poorly understood.&#x0D; AIM: To analyze publications dedicated to the evaluation of postural balance in adolescents with cleft lip and palate combined with jaw relationship disorders and pathological bite formation.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The article includes an analysis and review of several studies that investigated the state of postural balance in adolescents with cleft lip and palate, particularly at the final stages of growth and formation of the musculoskeletal system. Scientific articles published in various medical journals, monographs, dissertations, and materials from scientific symposiums related to this topic were used in the literature review. PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and RSCI were searched without language restrictions. The search depth was 23 years, and 64 studies were selected.&#x0D; RESULTS: The article analyzes literature data related to theories of the mechanism of mutual influence between postural balance and the dentofacial apparatus (disorders and pathological bite formation). The state of postural balance is influenced by various factors, including the craniosacral system and anomalies of the cervical spine. Patients with cleft lip and palate, hemifacial microsomia, and other craniofacial dysostoses with growth disorders of jaw bones experience an imbalance in the entire “descending” chain, causing postural disturbances, increased plantar pressure, increased foot rigidity, and changes in photogrammetry indicators, which should be considered when developing an individual rehabilitation program for these patients. The treatment of these patients without considering postural balance disorders can lead to temporomandibular joint pathologies, unstable results of the conservative orthodontic treatment of bite pathologies, and bone-reconstructive operations on jaws.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the ways of adaptation of the musculoskeletal system in the presence of occlusal relationship disorders and emphasizes the need to evaluate this influence comprehensively for the treatment of these patients. The limitations of the presented studies should be emphasized: insufficient sample size, lack of control groups and prospective studies, limited types of examination, and lack of studies dedicated to more severe anomalies of craniofacial development.