The impact of physiotherapy and swimming to posture, static trunk muscle endurance and balance for 10 – 12 years old children

Abstract

Research subject: the impact of physiotherapy and swimming to posture, static trunk muscle endurance and balance for 10 –12 years old children. The research problem: According to Lithuanian health statistics, the most common disorders for school-age children are posture disorders. Research subject: To determine whether swimming is equally efficient as physical therapy exercises for 10 – 12 year old students’ posture, static trunk muscle endurance and body balance. Research objectives: 1. To assess the effect of physiotherapy in gymnastics hall to posture, static back muscle endurance and balance through the physical therapy for children with anomalous posture. 2. To evaluate the swimming effect to posture, static trunk muscle endurance, and balance through swimming training for children with anomalous posture. 3. To determine which method has a greater impact in improving posture, static trunk muscle endurance and balance for children with anomalous posture. Hypothesis: It is believed that swimming will have the same effect as physical therapy in gymnastics hall for students' posture, static trunk muscle endurance and balance. Research results: Static trunk muscle endurance and balance for both groups improved statistically significantly (p 0.05) comparing evaluated parameters. Conclusions: 1. Children’s posture, static trunk muscle endurance and balance statistically improved (p < 0.05) by practicing physical therapy in gymnastics hall. 2. Children’s static trunk muscle endurance and balance statistically improved (p < 0.05) by doing exercises in swimming pool, however, the posture was not improved statistically significantly (p ≥ 0.05). 3. Physiotherapy exercises in gymnastics hall and exercises in swimming pool have the same effect on improving children’s static trunk muscle endurance and balance, nevertheless, student’s posture improved statistically significantly (p < 0.05) only through physiotherapy in gymnastics hall. Recommendation: it is necessary to make an early diagnosis of the formation of spinal disorders in order to avoid severe health problems and to improve posture. In this case an earlier rehabilitation is needed. According to authors, children's posture should be checked 2-3 times a year, avoiding the spine and musculoskeletal disorders