Monitoring changes in the shape of the spine in children with postural disorders

Introduction
Due to numerous complications of an abnormal shape of the spine, it is extremely important to systematically monitor its shape. A precise and routine method of measurement enables comparison of the scores obtained over time and possible early intervention to avoid complications.

Aim of the research
To present the pattern for monitoring changes in the shape of the spine in children with postural deformities.

Material and methods
The study group consisted of patients with diagnosed shape of the spine deformity, who underwent a 4-month therapy, supervised by a physiotherapist. The control group comprised children with no shape of spine deformity. The children in the study group underwent a 3-dimensional computer analysis of the shape of the spine. The DIERS test was performed in both groups. In the study group it was performed 4 times. It involved the measurement of complete assessment of body posture.

Results
Statistically significant scores of the Friedman test for imbalance, pelvic tilt, kyphosis angle, lordosis angle, and lateral deviation were observed. Therefore, a series of post-hoc analyses were performed using Dunn-Bonferroni tests. It was observed that changes in individual parameters analysed in the authors’ study arise at different speeds.

Conclusions
Detailed monitoring of the parameters describing the position of the spine makes it possible to control the course of the treatment process of patients with disorders of the position of the spine. The dynamics of changes taking place within the spine position varies for the individual parameters analysed.