Correlations between somatic features, anteroposterior spinal curvatures and trunk muscle strength in schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of body posture and strength of spinal muscles in children during their progressive ontogenesis is significant for the evaluation of their physical health condition and physical fitness. It is also a reference point in a process of control and medical care.

PURPOSE: The aim if this study was to evaluate correlation between the selected features of somatic body structure, shape of anteroposterior spinal curves and force-velocity (FV) parameters of trunk muscles in school children.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: The sample involved 104 children aged 10-11 years, 60 females (10.74 ±0.7) and 44 males (10.50 ±0.9). Body posture was assessed using the Moiré photogrammetry while trunk muscles (flexors and extensors) strength was measured isokinetically.

RESULTS: The results of the research revealed the existence of many average and strong correlations observed between the analysed somatic characteristics and forcevelocity (FV) parameters of trunk muscles. Correlation between the volume of the spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane and forcevelocity parameters of trunk extensors and flexors were average or weak for both groups of children.

CONCLUSION: Somatic features indicated stronger correlation with trunk muscles' strength than with the size of the anteroposterior spinal curves.