Open AccessAlterações posturais em crianças e adolescentes obesos e não-obesos. 10.5007/1980-0037.2011v13n6p448
Author(s) -
Larissa Rosa da Silva,
André Luíz Félix Rodacki,
Michelle Brandalize,
Maria de Fátima Aguiar Lopes,
Paulo Cesar Baraucce Bento,
Neiva Leite
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
revista brasileira de cineantropometria and desempenho humano
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.197
H-Index - 20
eISSN - 1980-0037
pISSN - 1415-8426
DOI - 10.5007/1980-0037.2011v13n6p448
Subject(s) - medicine , obesity , body mass index , childhood obesity , physical therapy , pediatrics , overweight
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions over recent years and is related to cardiovascular risk factors, as well as to the occurrence of postural changes in adults, children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of postural abnormalities and pain in schoolchildren. Fifty-one children and adolescents of both genders aged 9-17 years were divided into an obese (n = 33) and a non-obese group (n = 18). Weight and height were measured to calculate the body mass index. A questionnaire was used to assess the presence or absence of pain. Postural deviations of the shoulder, head and knees were analyzed by photometry using the Corel Draw12 software for the determination of angular measures and size. Obese boys showed greater postural changes in the region of the knees than non-obese ones (p<0.001). No significant differences in any of the regions analyzed were observed for girls. On the other hand, the prevalence of pain was significantly higher among obese girls than among non-obese girls. We conclude that postural changes are not limited to obese children, but excess weight may increase this deviation. Further studies are needed to diagnose these changes during childhood in order to permit early intervention and good posture in adult life