The Relationship between Posture and Physical Fitness in Blind, Deaf and Normal Children

Abstract

Background & Objectives: The aim of this study was determination of the relationship between fitness and posture alignment in blind and deaf children. Material and Methods: Sixteen blind, 30 deaf and 60 healthy children (6-12 years) were participated in this study. Physical fitness was examined with 3minute step test, sit ups, hand grip strength test, sit-and-reach and trunk-lifting. Spinal curvature was assessed with spinal mouse, and head and shoulder posture was assessed with photography. Pearson correlation test was used (α=0/05) for data analyzing. Results: Results of this study showed that there was relationship between the BMI and kyphosis, hand grip strength and FSP, Flexibility and uneven shoulder, flexibility and lordosis in blind children. In deaf children, there was relationship between the BMI and kyphosis, VO2 peak and scoliosis, uneven shoulder and FSP, muscle endurance and thoracic scoliosis and FHP, muscle strength and scoliosis, flexibility and uneven shoulder and FSP, trunk flexibility and kyphosis, scoliosis and FHP. In normal children, there was relationship between the hand grip strength, kyphosis, scoliosis and lordosis and between trunk flexibility lordosis and scoliosis. Conclusion: The relationship between the Physical fitness and posture in blind and deaf children necessitates the attention to both physical fitness and corrective exercises in physical education programs in schools and guiding these children toward appropriate sporting activities.