Relationship between frontal knee position and the degree of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis among 10-12-year-old children with normal body weight

Abstract

Introduction Incorrect positioning of the body in space increases the tension of the myofascial tissue and overloads the skeleton. It is important to look for factors that affect the deterioration of body posture that could be eliminated. Understanding the interrelationship between the positioning of individual body segments should be the key knowledge for those involved in the prevention and correction of faulty body posture. The study aimed to determine the relationship between the degree of physiological curvatures of the spine and the incidence of incorrect knee position. Materials and methods The study involved 685 children aged 10–12. Body height, weight and BMI were measured and calculated. The degree of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis was assessed using the Zebris Pointer ultrasound system. Valgus and varus knees were diagnosed in an upright position based on the intermalleolar distance with knees together, and intercondylar distance with the feet placed together. The statistical analysis uses descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test (comparison of girls and boys), the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Tukey's post hoc test (comparison of variables in participants with correct, varus and valgus knees) and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (the relationship between the position of the spine and knees). Results The examined girls were heavier than the boys and had higher BMI. Spine deformities and incorrect knee position are common among 10-12-year-old children. The girls and boys differed significantly in the spine shape in the sagittal plane and the intermalleolar distance. Round lumbar lordosis is more characteristic for girls, and for boys, round thoracic kyphosis. For both genders, valgus knees occur more often than varus knees and coexist with decreased thoracic kyphosis. The rounder the thoracic kyphosis, the greater distance between the knees and the smaller distance between ankles. Conclusions The frontal knee position significantly correlated with the depth of thoracic kyphosis.

Motor Skills and Executive Functions in Pediatric Patients with Down Syndrome: A Challenge for Tailoring Physical Activity Interventions

“…The GMS of children with DS are consistently low compared to those of normal children, and the largest difference is seen in relation to balance [23]. Balance is one of the major factors that affect the safety and independence skills of children with DS, and is the most difficult function to acquire.…”

Childhood Obesity and Incorrect Body Posture: Impact on Physical Activity and the Therapeutic Role of Exercise

“…Exercise can improve poor body posture in those without obesity, but it is even more important for those with obesity because, along with directly improving body posture, it can help to reduce weight, which will, in turn, improve body posture. Moreover, exercise has a direct effect on the increase in body energy expenditure and the acquisition of motor skills, ameliorates of cardiovascular and metabolic profile, and contributes to reduce weight gain with positive effects on posture [ 109 , 110 , 111 ].…”

“…In fact, several studies have shown that with age, body posture issues more seriously compromise metabolism, including cardiopulmonary function and the skeletal system [ 110 ]. Indeed, previous studies have shown that many adolescents are sitting for long periods during school time, which leads to a muscular imbalance of their trunk muscles [ 111 ].…”