The effect of sway back abnormality on structural changes of body parts

Abstract   Introduction: The purpose of this study was to study the effects that sway back abnormality might have on structural changes of various body parts. Materials and Methods: To conduct the present study, 70 female students were randomly selected. A posture screen along with a plumb line was used for postural analysis. Other tools used in this study were as follows: a Goniometer for evaluating ankle, knee and hip angle, a flexible ruler for measuring the degree of lumbar lordosis and thoracic kyphosis and an inclinometer for measurement of pelvic inclination. T-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were performed on all variables of interest (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Results showed that sway back abnormality is a prevalent abnormality among young girls (%35). Subjects with sway back abnormality had a greater thoracic kyphosis angle and pelvic anterior tilt than did normal subjects. In addition, the Subjects with sway back abnormality had relatively a greater extension in hip and knee joints. There was a statistically significant correlation between pelvic inclination and angles of knee (r = 0.02) and hip (P = 0.01). However, pelvic inclination did not significantly correlate with the ankle joint angle (r = 0.06). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is a high prevalence of sway back abnormality among young females with the age range of 18 to 26 years. Moreover, we concluded that thoracic kypnosis, neck and lumbar lordosis, knee and hip angle in subjects with sway back abnormality would change during the life spam. Keywords: Sway back abnormality, Posture, Lordosis abnormality, Kyphosis abnormality.