PRACTICES FOR SPINAL HEALTH IN INDIVIDUALS IN CHILDHOOD: THE CASE OF ALTINDAG MUNICIPALITY

Müzeyyen Öz Müzeyyen Öz
Gizem Soylu Gizem Soylu
Yasemin Özel Aslıyüce Yasemin Özel Aslıyüce

 

Purpose: It is known that spine-related pain in childhood is a significant risk factor for pain in adulthood. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effects of spine health awareness education and exercises on physical fitness, quality of life, body image, and pain.

Methods: The project included five girls and one boy. An exercise program was applied to the individuals, including stretching, strengthening, and posture exercises for 60 minutes, two days a week for six weeks. Pain intensity was evaluated using the Numeric Pain Scale, posture using the New York State Posture Scale, quality of life using the Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire, and body image using the Children's Body Image Scale. Balance tests on one leg, sit-up tests, handgrip muscle strength tests, and sit-to-stand flexibility tests were used to evaluate the physical fitness of the individuals. All assessments were repeated at baseline and after six weeks.

Results: After the exercise program, there was an increase in the results of the sit-to-stand test evaluating flexibility and hand grip strength performance evaluating muscle strength (p<0.05). The level of dissatisfaction decreased in body image results (p<0.05). No change was observed in the quality of life scores of the individuals after the program (p>0.05).

Discussion: As a result of the project, an improvement was observed in physical fitness parameters, including muscle strength, flexibility, and body image. These positive results and the content of the programs can be used in future studies to develop preventive approaches with long-term follow-up.