The identification of postural defects in preschool children

Introduction: The changes in the physical development of children occurring between 3 and 6 years of age are characterised by an increased exercise capacity of the whole body and its various organs. Bad habits and low activity may be the cause of irregularities in body posture. Aim of the study: The identification of postural defects in preschool children. Material and methods: The examination was carried out in a group of 50 preschool children from a private nursery (52%, 26) and a state nursery (48%, 24), aged 3-6 years (mean age 4.5 ± 0.9 years). Results: In the group from the state nursery, there were 12 (50.0%) children with a tendency to valgus foot. In the group of children from the private nursery, there were 5 (29.2%) cases of this defect. In the group from the state school, this irregularity occurred significantly more often (Chi2 = 5.27, p = 0.0218). Other studies show certain differences, yet statistically insignificant. Conclusions: There is a need for the early monitoring of the correct posture of children at this stage of development when their osteo-musculo-articular system changes.