EVALUATION OF ISOKINETIC TRUNK MUSCLE STRENGTH IN ADOLESCENTS WITH NORMAL AND ABNORMAL POSTURES

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess existing differences in the isokinetic trunk muscle strength in males and females aged between 10 and 11 years depending on body posture. Methods: The study included 145 children (67 males and 78 females) divided into 2 age groups: 10-year-old males ((x) over bar = 9.98 +/- 2.34 years) and females ((x) over bar = 9.85 +/- 2.94 years) and 11-year-old males ((x) over bar = 11.14 +/- 2.22 years) and females ((x) over bar = 11.15 +/- 2.32 years). Posture in the sagittal plane was assessed by photogrammetry using the moire projection technique. Based on a classification system, the participants were divided into subgroups of males and females with normal and abnormal postures. Trunk muscle strength was measured using isokinetic dynamometry. Results: A high prevalence of abnormal posture in children aged between 10 and 11 years was observed, primarily represented by an excessive curvature of the spine in the sagittal plane. The males and females with poor posture recorded lower values in isokinetic trunk muscle strength. Conclusion: The results of the study point to the need for the application of suitable physiotherapy treatment (corrective measures/exercises) to treat musculoskeletal disorders to compensate for the loss of trunk flexor muscle strength in children with improper posture.