A healthy figure for children - get advice from a physiotherapist

Our posture changes throughout our lives, so it's important to take care of it from a young age. This is especially important for children, who are still growing and developing the skills of their musculoskeletal system. So how do you maintain a healthy posture in children? Learn the tips from a physiotherapist.

A healthy figure for children – what should you pay attention to?

Posture is the body position we adopt when sitting, standing, or performing various activities. Our posture undergoes constant change from birth to death, but this process is most intense during childhood. During infancy, it's important to pay particular attention to the child's positioning in the crib, ensuring they don't remain in the same position constantly. During this period, it's crucial to monitor the child's proper physical development through regular checkups with an orthopedist or consultations with a physiotherapist.

Preschool and school-age children spend an increasing amount of time sitting, so it's important to ensure that furniture (desk, chair) is well-adjusted to their current height. Children should adopt a variety of positions while learning and avoid staying in one position for extended periods. Both children and adults should not stay in one position for longer than 30 minutes.

What are the causes of posture defects in children?

The development of poor posture in children can occur in various ways. There are certain factors beyond our control, such as illness and injury. However, we can influence our lifestyle and the habits that come with it. One of the biggest problems today is spending too much time in a sitting position – in front of the TV, computer, or phone. Frequent slouching or tucking one leg under the buttocks can lead to poor posture. Temporarily remaining in such positions is not significant. However, long-term repetition of such patterns can be detrimental to a child's proper development.

Another factor that can increase the risk of poor posture is insufficient physical activity. It's important to remember that children should spend at least 60 minutes a day in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Parents' role is to ensure that children participate in sports, games, and physical activities. Spending time together on such activities is a great idea. This not only promotes a child's proper physical development but also strengthens the relationship between parents and their children.

Correct and healthy figure for children - learn the simple rules:

• using a morning warm-up
• if possible, walk to school or, if traveling by car, park early enough to walk part of the way
• active participation in physical education lessons,
• organizing active games in free time,
• establishing rules for the time of use of a computer, telephone or other electronic devices and consistently adhering to them,
• on sunny days, spend time sensibly in a sunny place, ensuring access to the skin's sun rays (sunlight must fall on the exposed,
• skin not covered with sunscreen) and vitamin D3 supplementation throughout the year,
• taking breaks while studying, e.g. a walk or a short nap.

Read other articles from our expert:

https://endo.pl/blog/jak-ruch-i-aktywnosc-fizyczna-dzieci-wplywa-na-ich-zdrowie-i-psychike/

https://endo.pl/blog/jak-zapobiegac-otylosci-u-dzieci-rola-rodzicow/

Endo.pl Imagination Factory Expert

Expert in physiotherapy and regeneration, lecturer at the Medical University of Warsaw, trainer in the field of biological regeneration, co-owner of Mobilemed, author of the podcast "Recipe for movement".