Author(s): SCHMALZL, K., RASP, D.M., PATERNOSTER, F.K., SCHWIRTZ, A., Institution: TUM SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH - PROFESSORSHIP OF BIOMECHANICS IN SPORTS, Country: GERMANY, Abstract-ID: 2739

INTRODUCTION:
Back pain (BP) affects up to 85% of adults [1] and over 40% of 17-year-old girls [2]. BP can impair performance, quality of life and overall health [3]. Prolonged sitting has been linked to structural spinal changes [4] and alterations in intervertebral discs are considered a potential mechanism in the development of BP [5]. The aim of this study was to examine whether a preventive, posture-specific training program (PSTP) over three weeks can improve trunk inclination (TRIN) in healthy children (CH) across different everyday positions (POS).
METHODS:
194 CH participated, and at T0 their posture was measured using rasterstereography during standing (POS1), sitting while writing (POS2), and normal sitting (POS3). The intervention group (IG, n=109) completed a three-week PSTP at school and at home; the control group (CG, n=84) followed their usual routine. The same measurements were taken after three weeks (T1), two (T2), seven (T3), and eleven months (T4).
RESULTS:
53 CH in the IG and 46 CH in the CG completed all measurements. For POS2, post hoc tests of a Mixed ANOVA for TRIN revealed significant differences in the IG from T0 to T1 (p<.001, Cohen's d=0.87), T0 to T2 (p=.016, Cohen's d=0.74), T0 to T3 (p<.001, Cohen's d=0.93), T0 to T4 (p<.001, Cohen's d=0.93) and in the CG from T1 to T4 (p=.003, Cohen's d=0.61). The main results for TRIN in POS1 and POS3 showed no significant differences (p>.05).
CONCLUSION:
Given the high prevalence of BP and the amount of time CH spend sitting at school, these findings provide task-specific insights into postural adaptation. PSTP led to short- and long-term improvement in TRIN when sitting while writing in the IG. Although no general effects were observed, this task-specific adaptation may be relevant, as even small changes in angle can influence spinal loading and cumulative mechanical stress. Thus, early optimization of postural control may contribute to musculoskeletal health, BP prevention, and the foundation of efficient movement patterns.

REFERENCES
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