Improving posture in young children - Physifun program

You may wish to have a look at this exciting new Physiotherapy based program - www.physifun.co.uk. The possible benefits of the program are enormous and i believe a worthwhile undertaking, especially for sedentary children, or for children and young people with chronic asthma (were posture is not optimal).

Up to the age of 4, physiologically "good" posture, is present. Postural decline starts with entry to school. Most secondary school-aged children have poor posture (Fairbank et al, 1984; Nissien et al, 1994). Children sit for an average of 35-40 hours a week. After 15-25 minutes, children need a movement break, otherwise concentration suffers (due to muscle fatigue and or pain)(Breithecker, D – Teaching with exercise). Back problems and postural problems are on the increase (Gardner et al, 2005). Over 50% of 13-18 year olds suffer from LBP (Jones et al, 2001). Carrying 15% of body weight can cause spinal damage (Korovessis et al, 2004; Negrini et al, 1999). Evidence has shown that adolescents carry between 10% and 33% of their body weight in their school rucksacks (Forjuoh et al, 2003).