Prevalence of postural alterations in students of Basic Education in the city of Vila Velha, Espírito Santo state, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction Human posture goes through a series of changes in the course of body growth and development, i.e., in childhood and adolescence. Moreover, during these phases, individuals are subject to risk behaviors for spinal problems, especially those related to the use of backpacks and to poor sitting posture. Objective This study aimed to detect the prevalence of postural alterations in school children enrolled in the UMEF Vila Olímpica, Vila Velha, Espírito Santo. Methods We evaluated 513 schoolchildren in the orthostatic position and in the anterior, posterior and side view. The following structures were analyzed: head, shoulder, the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, pelvis and lower limbs. Results There was a high prevalence of postural deviations: rotated or tilted head, elevated shoulder and pelvis, valgus or varus knee, head protraction, alterations of the thoracic spine, anteriorized shoulders, pelvis in anteversion, knees semiflexion or hyperextension and cavus or planus feet. Conclusion Our results suggest that there is a high prevalence of postural alterations in students in the school network of Vila Velha (ES). This could be detected through public health policies, such as the federal government´s Health at School Program (PSE).