Selected postural differences in African boys and girls (PLAY-Study)

Abstract

Posture deformities in children are relatively common and frequently observed in boys and girls. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in posture deformities between African boys and girls from very low socio-economic living conditions, aged 13–17 years in the North West Province. During these ages children are undergoing growth spurt and some children develop posture problems [4]. A total of 252 children were screened for posture deformities. Posture screening was done according to the New York Posture test [15] [25] and a posture grid. The difference in posture deformities in these African boys and girls could be mainly related to growth spurt, puberty, stunting and age. A high prevalence of postural deformities was reported amongst the children and could be influenced by low socio-economical background. Posture deformities were reported to be higher in girls than in boys.

Zusammenfassung

Haltungsschäden bei Jungen und Mädchen können relativ häufig beobachtet werden. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es, das Aufkommen unterschiedlicher Haltungsschäden bei Afrikanischen Kindern im Alter von 13–17 Jahren einer Schule in der Nordwestprovinz in Südafrika, mit sehr niedrigem sozio-ökonomischen Status, herauszufinden. In dieser Altersperiode durchlaufen die Kinder enorme Wachstumssprünge und bei einigen von ihnen treten Haltungsprobleme auf [4]. Insgesamt wurden 252 Kinder mit Hilfe des York Posture Test [15] [25] einem Haltungsscreening unter­zogen. Es wurde eine hohe Prävalenz an Haltungsschäden festgestellt, wobei Mädchen häufiger betroffen waren als Jungen.

Key words:

posture deformities - alignment - adolescence - children - gender

Stichworte:

Haltungsschäden - Abgleich - Pubertät - farbige Kinder - Geschlecht

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