Prevalence of postural deformities in South African adolescents: The PAHL Study

Abstract

Postural disorders may occur during growth and development in adolescents. Research regarding postural changes during adolescence, especially in black South African children, is limited. This study examined the prevalence and changes of postural deformities among black South African adolescents (aged 14 years in 2010 and 18 years in 2014; n = 100), who were part of the Physical Activity and Health Longitudinal Study (PAHLS). The children’s stature and body mass were measured, and a qualitative New-York Posture Test was used to evaluate their postural deformities. The results show that in all 13 posture variables, the prevalence of abnormal posture ranged from 0-35% and slightly abnormal averaged 16-73% for the total group across the measured points. For the total group, high prevalence was observed regarding forward head, forward shoulders, hip sway, lordosis, and uneven shoulders in the abnormal and slightly abnormal category in 2014. Of the 13 posture variables, boys more significantly (p≤0.001) presented with abnormal posture (forward head, forward shoulders, kyphoses, and hip sway) than girls who experienced significant (p≤0.001) changes in abnormal posture (forward head, uneven shoulders, and lordosis). In conclusion, boys had more postural abnormalities than girls and the prevalence of postural deviations increased in this cohort over the four-year period. Intervention programmes comprising early prescription of physical exercise and proper postural habits in schools are recommended to address these preventable postural deformities.