Characteristics of Postural Defects According to Author’s Typology

The aim of this study was to characterise postural defects in children aged 10-12 years according to the author’s proposed typology, which was created based on measurements of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, taking compensatory mechanisms and postural and movement patterns into account. This will allow for more precise diagnosis of postural defects and the selection of individual corrective exercises. Methods: The research included 303 children aged 10-12 years. Measurements were taken using the Diers Formetric III 4D system, determining angles of thoracic kyphosis (42°-55°) and lumbar lordosis (33°-47°). Based on this, nine postural types were identified, encompassing various combinations of shallow, normal and deep kyphosis as well as lordosis. Results: The analysis revealed that only 29% of children had normal body posture, while 71% demonstrated abnormal spinal alignment. The most common finding was flattened thoracic kyphosis, often combined with varying degrees of lumbar lordosis. Each posture type is characterised by specific muscle patterns—lengthened, shortened, hypoactive and hyperactive muscles—which is crucial for individualising therapy and selecting corrective exercises. Conclusions: In the study, it was confirmed that posture in children aged 10-12 is a dynamic phenomenon which is strongly related to the maturation of the neuromuscular system. The nine-type classification revealed a wide variation in postural pattern—only a minority of children demonstrated normal posture, while the vast majority demonstrated the presence of characteristic compensatory mechanisms. The results clearly suggest that postural disturbances are not the result of deviations in individual spinal curvatures, but are a consequence of multi-segment, interconnected changes in the entire postural chain. Changes in kyphosis and lordosis coexist with disturbances in pelvic positioning, hip function, knee extension or flexion strategies, as well as compensations related to the feet, which are often the final result of deficits in core stabilisation. These relationships confirm that posture is an integrated system in which each segment influences consecutive ones. In this context, the nine-type classification has a distinct advantage over traditional assessments which are primarily focused on curvature angles. The new typology allows for the identification of not only structural deformities but, above all, compensatory patterns, the hierarchy of stabilisation mechanisms and disturbances in proximal-distal control. This makes it a more precise clinical tool and better reflects the child's actual postural organisation. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to clarify the evolution of these patterns during the maturation of the antigravity system and determine their significance in treatment planning.