Ocorrência de alterações posturais em crianças e adolescentes dos anos finais do ensino fundamental

Objective: to identify and assess the occurrence of postural changes in children and adolescents,aged 11 to 14, in the final gradesof elementary school. Materials and Methods:an observational,descriptive, cross-sectional study, with quantitative data and samples composed by 24 children and adolescents froma private school in the city of Pirapora -MG. Postural behavior inside and outside theschool environment wasidentified through the application of the Postural Habit Assessment Questionnaire;children's static posture was assessed by means ofphotographs; andsymmetrography and biophotogrammetry analyses were held through Postural Assessmentsoftware tests. Results:good postural staticand dynamic habits in the school environment and a good perception of correct postures,whichmust be adopted standing or sitting, have been reported. However, postureanalysis by means ofthe software revealed the occurrence of scoliosis,being right-convex(50%) the mostfrequent;severe changes in the alignment ofthe shoulder girdle were shown in 41.7% of the sample. Conclusion:good postural habits and correct postural perceptions were reported. Even though, thesample related back pain and experienced similar complaints fromtheirparents at some point in life, in addition to showing static postural changes.