Postural and Shoulder Function Norms

Overview

Musculoskeletal development during childhood is influenced by several factors, including age, body composition, and physical activity. However, normative data regarding shoulder joint parameters and upper body posture among school-aged children in Saudi Arabia are lacking, particularly in relation to body mass index (BMI). Objective: This study aims to establish normative reference values for shoulder joint mobility and upper body postural alignment in Saudi male school children, and to investigate the influence of BMI and age on these musculoskeletal parameters. This study will provide foundational normative data for shoulder and upper body posture among school-aged children in Saudi Arabia and clarify the musculoskeletal impact of excess weight. The findings will support early screening and intervention strategies in pediatric populations.

A cross-sectional analytical study will be conducted among 384 Saudi male students, aged 6 to 17 years, recruited from six randomly selected schools in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Participants will be stratified by BMI categories (normal, overweight, and obese) and age groups. Outcome measures will include forward head posture angle, shoulder slope angle, scapular downward rotation, and dorsal kyphosis. Other assessments will comprise shoulder pain intensity, functional disability, shoulder range of motion, and isometric strength. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize demographic and clinical characteristics. A factorial multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) will be performed to assess the influence of BMI and age on the musculoskeletal parameters. Additionally, odds ratios (ORs) will be calculated to determine the association between obesity and postural abnormalities. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software version 26), with a significance level set at p \< 0.05.

Conditions