Effect of Using a Spine Mat on the Trunk Inclination Angle and the Center of Pressure Location of Children While Standing

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of an intervention (a spine mat) by measuring trunk inclination angle (TIA) and the center of pressure (COP) location while standing. [Participants and Methods] The study participants were 83 elementary school students. Their TIA and the COP location in the upright position were measured before and after the spine mat intervention. [Results] Comparison of TIA showed that the degree of anteversion was significantly reduced in boys (3.04 ± 3.8°) after the intervention as compared to before the intervention (4.34 ± 3.7°). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the TIA in girls. No significant change was observed in the COP location after the intervention in either boys or girls. [Conclusion] The results of this study show that the immediate effect of spine mat intervention on TIA was that only boys showed a decrease in TIA. There was no change in COP location in either boys or girls after the intervention.