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. 2016 May;28(5):1607-10.
doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.1607. Epub 2016 May 31.

Age-dependency of posture parameters in children and adolescents

Oliver Ludwig  1 , Carola Mazet  1 , Dirk Mazet  1 , Annette Hammes  2 , Eduard Schmitt  3
Affiliations

Age-dependency of posture parameters in children and adolescents

Oliver Ludwig et al. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 May.

Abstract

[Purpose] Poor posture in children and adolescents is a well-known problem. Therefore, early detection of incorrect posture is important. Photometric posture analysis is a cost-efficient and easy method, but needs reliable reference values. As children's posture changes as they grow, the assessment needs to be age-specific. This study aimed to investigate the development of both one-dimensional posture parameter (body inclination angle) and complex parameter (posture index) in different age groups (childhood to adolescence). [Subjects and Methods] The participants were 372 symptom-free children and adolescents (140 girls and 232 boys aged 6-17). Images of their habitual posture were obtained in the sagittal plane. High-contrast marker points and marker spheres were placed on anatomical landmarks. Based on the marker points, the body inclination angle (INC) and posture index (PI) were calculated using the Corpus concepts software. [Results] The INC angle significantly increased with age. The PI did not change significantly among the age groups. No significant differences between the corresponding age groups were found for PI and INC for both sexes. [Conclusion] When evaluating posture using the body inclination angle, the age of the subject needs to be considered. Posture assessment with an age-independent parameter may be more suitable.

Keywords: Children; Posture assessment; Posture parameters.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
a. Anatomical landmarks used in the study: 1: skull, 2: auditory canal, 3: C7, 4: acromion, 5: distal sternum, 6: maximum of thoracic kyphosis, 7: SIAS, 8: maximum of lumbar lordosis, 9: trochanter major, 10: malleolus lateralis, 11: sole of foot. b. Anatomical landmarks used to calculate the posture index PI (see text) and definition of the body inclination angle INC
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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