posture

  • noun
  • “The position in which you hold your body when standing or sitting” 

What does having good posture mean?

The main components of good posture are those that allow your weight balanced over your centre of gravity (your feet) equally, sitting up straight and maintaining correct form when moving/exercising (Watson & C Mac, 2000).

Here are some elements a Chiropractor will look for during an examination regarding posture:

  • Ears level
  • Shoulders level
  • Elbows level
  • Hips level
  • Knee heights even and pointing forward
  • Ears, shoulders, pelvis, knees and ankles in line (from the side)
  • Abdominal muscles braced

Why is good posture important in children?

In their first few years of life children grow rapidly and their postural systems are constantly developing and adapting, by 10 years old most of these systems have matured (Admin, 2018).

Gravity exerts force on joints, ligaments and muscles and good posture helps distribute this force evenly throughout the body. Therefore, no one structure is being stressed. Being able to initiate good movement patterns early on is vital in preventing structural changes occurring and increasing the risk of pain and injury. Posture plays an important role for children because the habits they develop in childhood can stay with them for a lifetime (Admin, 2019).

“It’s easier to maintain good postural habits in children than it is to fix the problems they cause in an adult.”

What activities can lead to bad posture?

  • Hunching and rounding the shoulders whilst sitting
  • Spending too much time looking down e.g. mobile phones, tablets, game consoles.
  • Not getting enough or a variety of physical activity
  • Sitting too much for too long
  • Wearing shoes that are too rigid or restrictive (Admin, 2019)

What problems can bad posture cause?

  • Back pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Neck pain
  • Fatigue (tension and compression added to compensatory muscles)
  • Headaches
  • Postural/structural changes
  • Changes in gait (Admin, 2019)

What are some ways to help encourage children’s posture?

  • Keep them active

In the UK it is recommended that children aged 5-17 should do at least an average of 60 minutes through the day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity, mostly aerobic, physical activity. This can be achieved in short bursts, but some activity should be impact (e.g running), for strong bones and dynamic muscles, which help support a healthy cardiovascular system (WHO, 2022).

  • Limit Electronics

Restrict the amount of time spent being sedentary, particularly the amount of recreational screen time. This usually promotes bad postural habits and inhibits physical exercise (Quka et al., 2015).

  • Encourage good posture

“Sit/stand like the tallest giraffe or sunflower.” Creating length through the spine allows the correct postural muscles to function. The more these muscles work, the more the brain learns that this is normal and will do it automatically.

  • Strong feet

Allow children to run around barefoot wherever safe, this can help strengthen and tighten foot muscles to help stabilise the feet and help support better posture.

  • Avoid creating dominance in one side of the body

Humans are creatures of habit, especially children. When riding a scooter – change the pushing leg, encourage footballers to strike with both feet etc.

  • Equal loading

Keep school bags as light as possible, only carrying what is needed and make sure backpacks are worn on BOTH shoulders.

  • Don’t over-stretch

Young children are usually quite flexible, hypermobility can be as problematic as stiff bodies (Admin, 2019).

  • Encourage good balance

Ask your children to try standing on one leg whilst brushing their teeth to help balance and coordination. Make it FUN!

There are some ailments such as scoliosis that can be difficult to detect, but may prevent your child from sitting or standing tall. The earlier the problems are detected the easier they are to treat.

Laura conducts 30 minute posture appointments for children and teens to have their posture checked, and/or to discuss posture-related pain or other issues, make an appointment today with Call Reception on 01483 527 945 to find out more.

 

References

Admin (2018) The importance of good posture for kids: Grown-up guides to parenting: 7PM (2018) Toddler Fun Learning. Available at: https://www.toddlerfunlearning.com/2018/01/24/the-importance-of-good-posture-for-kids/ (Accessed: October 25, 2022).

Admin (2019) The importance of good posture at a young age, Specialty Orthopaedics. Available at: https://specialtyorthony.com/2019/01/blog/the-importance-of-good-posture-at-a-young-age/ (Accessed: October 25, 2022).

Quka, N., Stratoberdha, D. and Selenica, R. (2015) “Risk factors of poor posture in children and its prevalence,” Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n3p97.

Watson, A.W.S. and C Mac, D. (2000) “A reliable technique for the assessment of posture: Assessment criteria for aspects of posture,” Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness; Turin , 40(3), pp. 260–270.

WHO, 2022 “Physical activity,” World Health Organization. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity (Accessed: October 25, 2022).

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