Analysis of Relationships Between Body Posture and Body Composition in Children Aged 10-12 Years

Introduction: Extensive evidence suggests that abnormal body composition, particularly excess fat and reduced muscle mass, contributes to the development of postural defects in children. Nevertheless, detailed analyses specifying which body composition parameters are most strongly associated with postural characteristics during adolescence remain scarce.Study aim: The aim of the study was to conduct an in-depth analysis of the relationships between selected components of body composition and postural parameters in a group of children aged 10-12 years.Materials and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 301 students aged 10-12 years from the Świętokrzyskie region. Body posture was assessed via spatial photogramme-try with the Diers Formetric III 4D system. Body composition was analysed with the TAN-ITA MC780-MA-N P analyser. The relationships between body posture parameters and body composition parameters were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.Results: The results of the analyses indicate the occurrence of statistically significant asso-ciations between body composition and selected postural parameters. The strongest correla-tions were observed for trunk inclination (VP–DM) and the thoracic kyphosis angle (VP–ITL), which showed positive correlations with total body mass, BMI and absolute body composition indices, including fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass and total body water (R=0.27-0.30; p<0.001).Conclusions: In the development of body posture and the prevention of postural defects, it is crucial to pay particular attention to somatic factors, as proper body structure and ade-quate body composition significantly facilitate the acquisition of correct postural habits.