Postural analysis: a study in youth athletes

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive study was to investigate the prevalence of postural deviations in athletes who participated in the18^{th Paraná Youth Games. Specifically, it was looked for the relationship of the sport training characteristic variables with the postural deviations. The sample was composed by thirty seven athletes, of both sexes of the category sub 17, divided into groups of Swimming (9); Table tennis (9); Volleyball (13) and Beach Volleyball (6). As measure instrument was used a questionnaire for obtaining data related to the sport practice; a rating chart for postural analysis and a symmetrigraf that it made possible the quantification of the deviations in agreement with Adams et al. (1985). It was registered by photograph and evaluated eleven aspects related to the head's region, trunk and superior members. The results show that all the participants of the sample (100%) present at least one part of body with a slight deviation alignment. It is evidenced that, in percentile terms, the modality that presented the largest number of pronounced deviations was the Beach Volleyball, while the Swimming didn't present any deviation index. It was also evidenced, that the thoracic kyphosis presented the largest prevalence in the category of pronounced deviation. The scapula’s abduction presented the major prevalence in the slight deviation category. The absolute majority of the athletes who showed at least one part of the body with a pronounced deviation were the ones who had not done any kind of compensatory activity. It is concluded that the postural deviations are present in the youth categories and in the several investigated modalities, evidencing that it is necessary the compensatory work in sport training.}