The Incidence of Body Posture Abnormalities in Relation to the Segmental Body Composition in Early School-Aged Children

Abstract

Children are exposed to multiple factors that contribute to an increase in body mass and the development of posture defects. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between the segmental distribution of fat mass and muscle mass and the incidence of body posture abnormalities in early school-aged children. A total of 190 children aged 7–9 were included in the research project. The examined children were divided according to age (class level) into three groups. Height, weight and body composition, BMI, and body posture were determined. Thoracic and lumbar spine abnormalities occurred most frequently in the examined children (7–95%, 8–92%, 9–89.5%). During the assessment of the segmental body composition, the lowest fat–fat-free index was found in the trunk. The number of abnormalities of the cervical spine, pelvis, and lower extremities increases with age. The number of abnormalities of the thoracic and lumbar spine, as well as of upper extremities and the pectoral girdle decreases with age. Body posture abnormalities are correlated with body composition and in particular with the fat mass percentage. The segmental body com-position analyzer can be used to screen for posture defects.

Evaluation of Foot Structure in Preschool Children Based on Body Mass

“…The larger the recorded gamma heel angle, the more developed the muscles of the examined limb were, and consequently, the foot structure was more likely to be normal. Ziętek et al showed the importance of using segmental body composition analysis as a screening method for posture defects, and that muscle mass and percentage of body fat play a crucial role in development of correct body posture in young school-age children [ 28 ].…”

“…Ziętek et al demonstrated that the balance between muscle mass and the percentage of body fat plays a crucial role in shaping correct body posture, including proper foot structure [ 28 ]. Increased fat mass around the foot in preschool-age children indicates the presence of a fat pad typical for this age.…”

“…Increased fat mass around the foot in preschool-age children indicates the presence of a fat pad typical for this age. Riddiford-Harland et al suggested that this fat pad serves a cushioning function when transferring greater weights in children with above-average BMI, thus protecting the musculoskeletal system [ 28 , 29 ]. Studies indicate that the resorption of the fat pad begins with the onset of independent walking, but the precise time of its disappearance is unclear [ 1 ].…”

“…Many authors who studied the relationship between body weight and foot structure abnormalities remarked on the insufficient recognition of this topic and the need to study different age groups [ 28 – 32 ].…”