In 2023 Dr. Smiskova carried out research focused on posture in primary school children, to find out how many of them are at risk of developing scoliosis or already have problems with it: "I was led to it by my experience after the COVID-19 pandemic, when the number of children with scoliosis in our practice started to rise sharply. On top of that I noticed that many children showed visible asymmetries, apparent even at a casual glance in the street. Another reason for the research was that previous studies on the incidence of scoliosis in children in the Czech Republic were out of date," Dr. Smiskova said in the Spiralista Podcast.
The research took place at eight primary schools across the Czech Republic and more than 2,100 children took part, on average 10.5 years old. The Adams test and a scoliometer were used - a device for quick and simple detection of spinal curvature. It measures trunk asymmetry and spinal rotation from the angle at which the trunk is tilted in different parts of the back.
Results of the research
According to the data collected, more than 42 % of children have a spinal curvature with a rotation greater than 3°. For comparison, older studies reported that only 3-5 % of children had some form of scoliosis. In terms of risk the children were divided into three groups:
- Rotation of 3° and more - this group included the largest number of children, mainly from the younger age categories.
- Rotation of 5° to 7° - the medium-risk group.
- Rotation of 7° and more - the most serious group with a high risk of further progression.
The results showed how important it is to detect scoliosis and poor posture in time. If problems are found early and the right measures are taken, such as targeted exercise, we can prevent the condition from worsening and in some cases even avoid surgery. It is also important to support good posture and movement habits in young children. That way we can prevent health problems and improve their quality of life in the future.
If you would like to learn more about the results of the research, or find out how you yourself as a parent, teacher or therapist can help prevent poor posture and scoliosis in children, take a look at the educational website
www.scolio.cz.
The Adams test and the scoliometer
Based on the results of the research we decided to make the Spiralista app available free of charge, including all videos and their detailed descriptions. Since last year the app also includes a scoliometer, which can help you check posture quickly. With the scoliometer in the Spiralista app you can find out how many degrees of rotation your spine has and whether there are any visible irregularities. The Adams test, a simple test that can be done at home, can also serve this purpose. This easy test will show you all irregularities of the spine, so you can detect the risk of scoliosis in your child at home.
If the Adams test or the scoliometer show a problem, or if you merely suspect that your child has scoliosis or poor posture, we recommend contacting a physiotherapist who actively uses the Spiral Stabilization method and can advise you how to exercise correctly at the start. The Spiralista app, where you can put together your own exercise plan, will then help you with regular exercise at home.
