Prophylactics of postural deformities in children and youth carried out within the teaching environment – experts recommendations

Introduction. The Minister of Health, aware of the need to draw up a uniform study, based on up-to-date medical knowledge, which would provide guidelines for educational workers concerning the prophylactics of postural deformities in children and youth, addressed a group of specialists to help arrive at the aforementioned document. All abnormalities of human posture are generally termed postural deformities, although this term is not clearly defined and is rather ambiguous. The issue of postural deformities has already been analysed within numerous publications of various natures; still, however, it remains unsolved. The reasons for postural deformities are ample. Apart from the cases when their aetiology stems from congenital deformities or specific diseases, postural deformities usually develop without any evident reasons. Factors which lead to adopting an improper posture of the body certainly play a significant role. In time they result in the formation and retention of the habit of adopting an improper posture and thus contribute to the development of deformities. The incidence of postural deformities at the developmental age is assessed approximately at 50–60% of the population, depending on the region. Usually, these are habitual deformities, which to a large degree then contribute to the increase of the number of individuals with postural deformities in the population. Providing care for children and youth with developing or already developed postural deformities is a complex matter. Deformities developed due to a specific cause or those which are much more advanced require specialist treatment, which is beyond the sphere of interest and duties of the teaching environment. The basic tasks of this environment include primary prophylactics, i.e. eliminating these factors which may contribute to the development of deformities as well as promoting a proper body posture. Aim. The aim of this study was to draw up a uniform and up-to-date document which would provide guidelines concerning the prophylactics of postural deformities in children and youth. Methods. Prophylactic activities within the teaching environment are carried out by: director of the teaching institution, teacher/form tutor, physical education teacher, nurse working within the teaching environment/ school hygienist. Conclusions. The aforementioned document drawn up by the specialists is forwarded by the Minister of Health to the Minister of National Education, with the hope that it will prove useful for educational workers in undertaking activities that promote healthy habits amongst children and youth.