Justyna Drzał-Grabiec

Effect of high-heeled shoes on the parameters of body posture.

Study Design. The study group consisted of 90 young, healthy females, aged 20 to 25 years. Three types of measurements were conducted for each female: without shoes, with 4-cm heels, and with 10-cm heels. Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of high-heeled shoes on chosen parameters characterizing body posture. Summary of Background Data. For a long time, high-heeled shoes have been an attribute of femininity. Currently, there is an increasing amount of research being published investigating the effect of high-heeled shoes on selected biomechanical parameters. Methods. The study used a photogrammetric method, based on the chamber projection and Moiré phenomenon. The study was performed using predesignated points of anthropometric measures. We used 19 photogrammetric parameters characterizing body posture. Results. Results of the measurements showed no significant differences using the significance level P < 0.05 between the measurements taken with no shoes, with 4-cm high-heeled shoes, and with 10-cm high-heeled shoes. Statistically significant results were obtained only for the angle of trunk bend parameter. The value of the P coefficient in the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance test for the angle of trunk bend parameter was P = 0.0140. Analysis based on the multiple comparison test indicated differences between the group wearing no shoes, and those wearing 4-cm heels (P = 0.0226), and between the group wearing no shoes and the group wearing 10-cm heels (P = 0.0459). Conclusion. High-heeled shoes increased the forward inclination of the trunk. This article shows that there are only certain trends for some parameters that require further scientific investigation. Level of Evidence: N/A

A comparative analysis of static balance between patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis and asymptomatic participants.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess static balance in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis who qualified for surgical decompression of associated neural structures and compare them with asymptomatic participants. METHODS This case-controlled study evaluated a sample of 50 patients with spinal canal stenosis (stenosis group) and 48 participants with no history of clinical symptoms of back pain. Static balance was assessed by conducting quantitative analysis of balance reaction parameters in quiet standing with the eyes closed. RESULTS Higher values were observed in total length of center of pressure (COP) path, length of COP path in the anterior-posterior plane, mean amplitude of COP projection in the anterior-posterior plane, maximal amplitude between the 2 most distant points in the anterior-posterior plane, mean COP velocity, and sway area marked by the moving COP in the stenosis group compared with the asymptomatic group. CONCLUSIONS This study showed statistically significant differences in static balance parameters between patients with spinal canal stenosis compared with the asymptomatic group.

Analysis of Relationship between the Body Mass Composition and Physical Activity with Body Posture in Children

Introduction. Excessive body mass in turn may contribute to the development of many health disorders including disorders of musculoskeletal system, which still develops intensively at that time. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between childrens body mass composition and body posture. The relationship between physical activity level of children and the parameters characterizing their posture was also evaluated. Material and Methods. 120 school age children between 11 and 13 years were enrolled in the study, including 61 girls and 59 boys. Each study participant had the posture evaluated with the photogrammetric method using the projection moiré phenomenon. Moreover, body mass composition and the level of physical activity were evaluated. Results. Children with the lowest content of muscle tissue showed the highest difference in the height of the inferior angles of the scapulas in the coronal plane. Children with excessive body fat had less slope of the thoracic-lumbar spine, greater difference in the depth of the inferior angles of the scapula, and greater angle of the shoulder line. The individuals with higher level of physical activity have a smaller angle of body inclination. Conclusion. The content of muscle tissue, adipose tissue, and physical activity level determines the variability of the parameter characterizing the body posture.

Effects of Carrying a Backpack in an Asymmetrical Manner on the Asymmetries of the Trunk and Parameters Defining Lateral Flexion of the Spine

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine changes in the body posture parameters defining asymmetry of the trunk and lateral flexion of the spine in children while carrying a backpack weighing 10% of a child’s weight. Background: Carrying a backpack may negatively affect the posture of schoolchildren and contribute to spinal pain. Method: The study involved 162 primary school students ages 11 to 13 years. The parameters describing body posture were assessed with a backpack carried on the right or left shoulder as well as without a load. To assess the predefined parameters, we used the CQ Elektronik System, employing the photogrammetric method. Results: Trunk inclination shifted significantly in the opposite direction to the shoulder the backpack was carried on, and an increase in shoulder asymmetry was also found. We also observed a more pronounced right-side lateral flexion of the spine when the backpack was carried on the right shoulder and an analogous relationship for the left side. Conclusion: The results of this study show that carrying a backpack in an asymmetrical manner negatively affects spine, even if the backpack weight constitutes 10% of the child’s weight, which has been previously recommended as a safe load for a child’s shoulders. Application: We suggest that the issue of safe backpack weight be reassessed and that students be taught basic ergonomic principles on how to carry loads. Changes to the management pattern of carrying textbooks to and from school also should be considered.

The influence of elongation exercises on the anterior-posterior spine curvatures.

Summary Introduction: Elongation exercises are designed to reduce existing pathological or increased physiological curvatures of the spine. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes occurring in the parameters describing the anterior-posterior spinal curvatures during the performance of symmetric elongation exercises. Material and methods: The study included 150 children aged 7-10 years: 82 girls and 68 boys. It was performed in June 2012, following prior parental and the subjects’ consent. The study design was approved by the Bioethical Committee of the Medical Faculty of Rzeszow University (number 05/07/2012). In each subject, an examination of the body posture was performed twice - first in a relaxed position and second during an elongation exercise. The Wilcoxon pair sequence test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The lumbosacral angle was significantly higher during the performance of an elongation exercise (p < 0.001), and so was the thoracolumbar angle (p < 0.001). The angle of the upper thoracic spine (p < 0.01) was significantly reduced. In the case of parameters describing thoracic kyphosis, a significant increase was observed both for the thoracic kyphosis angle (p < 0.01) and the depth of this part of the spine. As for the parameters describing lumbar lordosis, both the lordosis angle and its depth were significantly reduced (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001). Conclusions: 1. Elongation exercises reduce the depth of lumbar lordosis. 2. During elongation exercises thoracic kyphosis becomes deeper

Assessment of postural stability in patients with lumbar spine chronic disc disease

PURPOSE The pain, motor and sensory deficits are common symptoms of the lumbar disc disorder, and they can significantly affect human postural control. The aim of this study was to assess postural stability in patients with severe symptoms of lumbar spine disc disease qualifying them for surgical treatment and to compare them with a control group. METHODS The study involved 103 subjects: 54 patients and 49 healthy subjects. Patients mean age was 46.4 ± 11.3 years, mean body height 172.2 ± 10.3 cm, mean body mass 83.1 ± 18.9 kg, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.9 ± 5.2 kg m-2. The mean time of their recent pain episode was 9.7 ± 8.5 months. RESULTS We found statistically significant differences between postural stability in patients with lumbar spine disc disease and the control group. The measurements taken with eyes closed, as compared with the clinical control group, revealed higher and statistically significant values of the mean amplitude of COP, mean amplitude of COP on sagittal plane, and maximal sway in sagittal plane parameters. The analysis of pressure value differences between the right and left lower limbs in both groups revealed statistical significance. In the study population the difference was significantly greater in comparison to the control group. The patients had significantly greater asymmetry of lower limb load. CONCLUSIONS 1. Patients with lumbar spine discogenic pain had decreased postural control. 2. The patients had significant asymmetry in foot pressure resulting from pain radiating to a lower limb.

Changes in body posture of women and men over 60 years of age.

BACKGROUND With age, the body posture undergoes involutional changes. It is not possible to determine accurately the beginning of these changes. They begin between 40 and 50 years of age, and their slow progress increases after 60 years of age. The aim of this study was to assess the body posture of women and men over 60 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHOD Seventy people over 60 years old (35 women and 35 men) participated in the study. The control group consisted of 70 people (35 women and 35 men) between the age of 20 and 25. To evaluate the body posture non-invasive photogrammetric method based on the Moiré phenomenon has been used. The study was performed according to generally accepted principles. RESULTS Body posture of women and men over 60 years of age differs significantly in most of the parameters from body posture of women and men in the control group. These differences are confirmed when divided into groups based on gender. Comparing the parameters that characterize the posture of women and men over 60 years of age, a significant difference is only for parameter KLL, and body posture of men is characterized by the higher angle of lumbar lordosis (p = 0.0022). CONCLUSIONS 1. There are significant changes in body posture of women and men over 60 years of age both in the frontal and sagittal plane. 2. Men over 60 years of age have a significantly greater angle of lumbar lordosis. 3. The results of these studies should be used for the construction of a plan of exercises for the elderly taking into account all the changes that occur with age.

Weight-height ratios and parameters of body posture in 7-9-year-olds with particular posture types.

BACKGROUND Small and relatively balanced anteroposterior curvatures and symmetric positioning of the shoulders, scapulae, waist triangles, anterior superior iliac spines, knees and feet are the elements of a good posture. The aim of our study was to determine which somatic features and parameters of spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane show statistically significant differences among children with particular types of body posture. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out in selected primary schools of the Subcarpathian and Silesian regions. We examined a total of 563 randomly selected first- to third-graders whose parents had submitted written informed consent. The study group included 278 boys (49.38%) and 285 girls (50.62%). Twenty-four parameters describing the body posture were determined in every participant using the photogrammetric method. RESULTS Gender-independent parameters helpful in differentiating postural types comprise the compensation indicator, inclination angle of the superior thoracic spine, C7-PL length (length of kyphosis), and inclination angle of the thoracolumbar spine. CONCLUSIONS The inclination angle of the lumbosacral spine, total curvature length, position of the apex of lordosis relative to S1, and S1-PL length (length of lordosis), appeared to be the least helpful in differentiating among postural types.

Comparison of Parameters Characterizing Lumbar Lordosis in Radiograph and Photogrammetric Examination of Adults

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test validity of photogrammetry compared with radiography as a method of measuring the Cobb angle and the size of anterior-posterior spine curvatures in adults. METHODS The study included 50 volunteers, 23 men and 27 women whose mean age was 52.6 years. The average weight of the subjects was 81.3 kg, average body height was 172.0 cm, and the average body mass index was 27.4. Based on radiologic examination, the length and depth of lumbar lordosis were determined and the size of the Cobb angle of lumbar scoliosis. After the radiologic examination, a photogrammetric test was performed for each subject with the projection moire phenomenon. RESULTS The Pearson correlation found statistically significant associations concerning the length of lordosis (P < .001) and the Cobb angle (P < .001). Correlation of the depth of lordosis indicated a strong trend (P = .063). CONCLUSIONS This study found that the moire method of photogrammetric measurement produced similar findings to radiographic measurements in determining size of the Cobb angle and the length of lumbar lordosis.

Balance assessment in hearing-impaired children.

According to the scientific reports the postural stability is inseparably associated with hearing organs correct functioning. The aim of the study was to evaluate the degree of disorders occurring in balance reactions in this group of children with profound hearing loss compared to their healthy peers. The study worked with a total of 228 children, including 65 who are deaf (DCH) and 163 subjects without any hearing deficits (CON) in the control group. Stabilometric measurements were performed with the use of a force distribution platform. The results indicate statistically significant differences in terms of one parameter (the total path length) recorded in the test with the eyes open and a whole range of parameters recorded when the subjects had their eyes closed (the width, height, and area of the ellipse, the total path length, and the horizontal and vertical sway). The study results showed better values of the static balance parameters in deaf children as compared to their peers without hearing disorders and the differences were particularly evident in the test with the subjects eyes closed. The results suggest significantly better processing of sensory stimuli in postural reactions particularly from propioception, and to a lesser extent, from the vision system observed in the subjects as compared to their peers in the control group.