Zależność między składem ciała a kątem skrzywienia kręgosłupa u dzieci: Implikacje dla edukacji zdrowotnej
The Relationship Between Body Composition and the Angle of Spinal Curvature in Children: Implications for Health Education

Summary/Abstract: Proper body posture plays a crucial role in children’s health, significantly influencing the development of the musculoskeletal system. The increasing prevalence of postural disorders, such as scoliosis, alongside the growing problem of overweight and obesity, constitutes a major public health concern. In Poland, approximately one in three 10-year-old children is overweight, and 15% are affected by obesity. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between body composition and the angle of spinal curvature in school-aged children, with particular emphasis on the impact of excessive body weight on the risk of postural disorders. Additionally, recommendations for preventive measures and early intervention applicable in school and local community settings were formulated. Methods: The study was conducted among 134 ten-year-old children from the Świętokrzyskie Province. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, while spinal curvature was evaluated by spatial photogrammetry using the Diers Formetric III 4D system. Results: Significant differences in anthropometric parameters and body composition were observed depending on posture type and sex. Increasing severity of postural deformity was associated with higher values of body mass, BMI, fat mass, and scoliosis angle. Correlation analysis revealed no significant associations between scoliosis angle and body composition parameters in children with normal posture; however, significant positive correlations were identified in children with scoliotic posture and scoliosis, particularly with fat mass. The strongest associations were found in the scoliosis group, where the angle of spinal curvature was also positively correlated with fat-free mass, muscle mass, bone mass, and total body water. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for comprehensive health education integrating obesity prevention with strategies aimed at preventing postural disorders. Early diagnosis and individualized interventions may contribute to improved child health outcomes and reduce the progression of postural abnormalities.

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