Types of Body Posture and Refractive Errors in School-Aged Children

<ns3:p>Introduction: Children’s body posture is regulated by complex mechanisms in which the visual system plays a key role. Refractive errors, such as myopia and hyperopia, can affect head positioning and spinal curvatures, potentially leading to postural abnormalities. In response to the limitations of traditional classifications, Wilczyński proposed a new posture typology based on stereographic analysis.Aim of the research: The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between body posture types and refractive errors in children aged 11-12.Material and methods: The study included 250 children aged 11–12, among whom 203 had diagnosed refractive errors. Body posture was assessed using the Diers Formetric III 4D system, and children were classified into one of nine posture types based on the angles of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Refractive errors were determined through ophthalmologic examination.Results: Myopia was more frequently observed in children with normal or increased thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, while hyperopia predominated in children with decreased kyphosis and/or lordosis. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant, though moderate, association between the type of refractive error and posture classification (p < 0.001; R = 2.3%).Conclusions: There is a statistically significant relationship between posture type and refractive error in schoolchildren. Myopia and hyperopia are associated with distinct postural patterns. Wilczyński’s new posture typology provides a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating body posture in children with visual impairments.</ns3:p>