TECHNOLOGY BASED BODY ALIGNMENT ASSESSMENT IN ADOLESCENTS

OF GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS

ABSTRACT

Movement and posture structure are very important for the physical and emotional development of children and young people. Most medical and exercise professionals agree that the major joints should be aligned over one another while in a resting, standing posture. Abnormal posture predisposes several musculoskeletal disorders including pain, impaired proprioceptive feedback, and imbalance in muscle activity, abnormal load-bearing on joints and ligaments, and getting easily fatigued and even increased fall risk. Postural deformity is a commonly encountered problem among Children. One of the causes of postural disturbances is a strong and tight antagonist muscle group and a weak and elongated agonist muscle group. The difference in strength and contractile ability between these agonist and antagonist muscles leads to postural disturbances. Assessment of the postural alignment is one of the most frequently performed assessments by physiotherapists and other rehabilitation professionals in all age populations due to its significant necessity to identify and manage problems rising from postural disorders. Studies related with postural assessment tools by using mobile application (app) have been drawing rising interest due to widespread use of smartphone and its favourable technology integration in image-based apps. The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the body alignment of adolescents in government high schools with and without physical education teachers. Also, the study examined percent wise deviations in alignment at different head, shoulder, pelvic, knee, foot and overall body. For the purpose of the study 120 male students from 8 schools were included in the study. The Government schools located nearby to Kuvempu University Jnanasahyadri campus were selected. The age of selected subjects ranged between 14 to 17 years. Only healthy male subjects were selected with their consent to willingly participate in the present investigation. Photogrammetric evaluation method was used to analyse body alignment. Mobile app was used to collect the data for the present investigation, 8 schools were visited during leisure periods APECS mobile app was used to analyse the postural deviations of 120 students. The subjects were directed to assemble in a class room. Necessary directions were given to all sub