Faulty posture: Prevalence and its relationship with Body Mass Index and Physical Activity among female adolescents

Abstract

Summary Study aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of postural disorders and their associated risk factors among high school girls in the city of Tabriz, Iran. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 female students aged 14 to 18 years. Students were examined using a scoliometer, a Debrunner kyphometer, and a flexible ruler, and were directly studied for genu varum/valgum. The information about possible risk factors such as age, BMI, school bag, study time, use of social networks, and physical activity was collected through demographic survey and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS ver. 22 through independent t-test, chi-square, and logistic regression. Results: 181 participants (45%) had one or more abnormalities such as scoliosis (4%), kyphosis (5%), genu varum (5.7%), genu valgum (9.7%), hyperlordosis (11.2%), and asymmetrical shoulder (24.5%). The risk of hyperlordosis increased with increase in weight (OR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.02 to 1.15; p = 0.014) and BMI (OR: 1.37, 95%CI: 1.13 to 1.67; p = 0.002). Moreover, the odds for genu valgum increased with increase in weight (OR: 1.07, 95%CI: 1.01 to 1.13; p = 0.045) and BMI (OR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.29 to 2.62; p < 0.001); but it decreased with increase in age (OR: 0.62, 95%CI: 0.39 to 0.98; p = 0.039) and not using a study table (OR: 0.31, 95%CI: 0.12 to 0.78; p = 0.013). Conclusions: Forty-five percent of female students had one or more postural abnormalities. Asymmetrical shoulder was the most common disorder. Weight and BMI were associated with genu valgum and hyperlordosis.