Comparing the Normal Range and Changes Process of Lumbar Curve in Male and Female Students Aged 10 to 18 Years

Abstract

Background: In recent years, several studies on the body posture have been doneat schools, most of which have shown a high prevalence of varying abnormalityamong students. The aim of this study was to investigate the normal range andchanges process of lumbar curve in students, both girls and boys, in the agegroup of 10 to 18 years.Methods: A total number of 1800 students (male and female), in the age group of10 to 18 years were selected to participate in the present study. The student sampleswere chosen from the different cities of the Isfahan province in a randomizedand clustered manner. Each age category included 100 male and female studentseach. The flexible ruler was used to measure the lumbar curve angle. The factorialANOVA method, in SPPS16, was used for data analysis with α=0.05.Results: The data analysis showed that the age changes factor and gender factorhave a significant effect on lumbar curve changes in the level of P<0.05. However,the interaction between gender and age was not significant (P>0.05). This meansthat the changes process is similar in both gender groups.Conclusion: The lumbar curve angle is generally higher in girls. Moreover, thisangle increases in both genders as age increases to 18 years. The extent of thelumbar curve exceeds the normal limit in girls after 13 years of age with the onsetof puberty, which means that girls in this age group need additional attentionfrom the concerned authorities in order to prevent spinal abnormalities.